09-22-04 Area students study for Envirothon

By Staff
By: Jonathan Willis, FCT Staff Writer
Football teams across Franklin County are not the only ones practicing for upcoming competitions. Members of Envirothon teams from across the county and one from Cherokee, met at Freedom Hills Nature Area near Red Bay recently to practice for future meets.
The 50 or so participants studied five specific topics: wildlife, soil, aquatics, forestry and current issues concerning the protection of natural resources.
The land, which features a variety of different habitats, is owned by state Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow.
"I hope kids from all over North Alabama come to use this land and facility," Morrow said.
"I am happy to be able to share it. I think people can learn a lot and enjoy this land."
The students from Red Bay, Vina, Phil Campbell, East Franklin, Russellville, Belgreen and Cherokee used the facility to study different habitats on the property. The land contains wetlands and streams as well as wooded areas and crops.
During the gathering, students walked through streams collecting insects and small aquatic creatures which were to be studied.
The Envirothon teams from Franklin County will meet in November for the county competition. The students will use experience from these types of sessions to test their knowledge of environmental issues.
The winner of the county meet will advance to the state level. Last year, Belgreen's team finished second in the state.
Envirothon is conducted by local soil and water conservation offices. Dee Murphy, the watershed manager for the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District, coordinated the event Wednesday and said he hoped that it would prepare the students for future competitions.
"They can learn a lot down here. This place has a little of everything."