Manitoba Forestry Association
Manitoba Envirothon
2014-2015 Summary of Activities
Eve Werier Memorial Pond at Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Forest, May 2015
The Manitoba Envirothon is a program of THINK TREES – Manitoba Forestry Association (MFA). In 1996, MFA explored the idea of establishing an Envirothon in Manitoba. Four teams participated in the first Manitoba Envirothon in 1997 at Birds Hill Provincial Park. In 2006, the MFA hosted the North American Canon Envirothon and made Envirothon one of its core programs.
Due to the growing popularity of the Manitoba Envirothon, it evolved into a regional and provincial format in 2010. In 2011, Manitoba won the Canon (North American) Envirothon—the first and only Canadian team ever to do so!
Today, the Manitoba Envirothon is still going strong with over 2,700 students participating to date!
OVERVIEW For the past 19 years the Manitoba Forestry Association (MFA), along with it partners and funders, has been the proud host organization of the Manitoba Envirothon. This program has provided Manitoba’s high school students a unique and fun was to learn about the environment and current issues. In 2015, 50 teams competed at the Regional level, with 21 teams advancing to the Provincial level. The topic theme for 2015, Urban \ Community Forestry, allowed the students and advisors to explore the roles and responsibilities needed to successfully manage diverse urban forests, either heavily used or just protected, and best management practices that hopefully ensure their operations are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.
In 2015 there were five Regional Envirothon competitions that were held throughout the province during the week of April 20 to 24, 2015. The MFA partnered with the following Regional Host organizations: Frontier School Division \ University College of the North (The Pas - April 23 & 24), Manitoba Parks and Natural Areas (Rennie – April 24), Assiniboine Hills Conservation District (Spruce Woods Prov. Park – April 22), Duck Mountain Forest Centre (April 23) and Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre (April 22) to stage events – all with good weather considering the time of year! Continuing the structure fully implemented in 2011, all teams were required to qualify at the Regional level in order to advance to the Provincial Envirothon.
The Provincial Envirothon took place at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) from May 21-23, 2015. The teams were housed and fed at this fine facility, delicious meals were provided by members of the CMU culinary team. The field test took place on the hills, fields, forests and pond in nearby Assiniboine Forest. It consisted of 15 stops with normally two teams per stop and took place under hot, sunny conditions – much better than Regionals! Opening the event was the Honourable Thomas Nevakshonoff, Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship followed by the creative and memorable Team Introductions.
The orals competition was held in the classrooms and Gymnasium of the CMU North Campus. Orals prep was done at neighboring Shaftesbury High School. Presentations on the orals challenge presented to them that morning – having a “role playing” conversation on managing a large unused urban area in “Wimborne” under consideration for “management”. (Please see Appendix D). Once the scores from the field test and the oral competition were tallied the winning team was Vincent Massey Collegiate, Winnipeg Manitoba. The team will now attend the North America Envirothon in Springfield Missouri!
There will again be the ongoing reviews of the program - incorporating feedback we get from the event participants and partners, to ensure that the MFA is providing the best Envirothon program. Participants experience hands-on learning opportunities and possibly begin careers as resource managers, scientists or empowered citizens and future leaders!
REGIONAL ENVIROTHON’S
The Manitoba Forestry Association and the Manitoba Envirothon Steering Committee implement a regional qualifying format for the program, where teams are required to qualify at a regional level competition in order to advance to the provincial level. The advancing structure was set up as follows:
REGIONAL TO PROVINCIAL ADVANCEMENT POLICY
Regional Scoring Teams competing in Regional Envirothon events will be scored on three components: . Field Test Core questions supplied by the Manitoba Envirothon Steering Committee (50%) . Regional Questions provided by the Regional Organization (10%) . Oral presentation (40%) The percentages indicated above represent the weighting given in determining a team’s final score.
Advancing to the Provincial Event The teams with the three highest scores, (based on the combined field test, regional questions and orals in the proportions described under Regional Scoring), will advance to the Provincial Envirothon. This ensures representation from every region.
The remaining entry positions for the current year’s Provincial Envirothon will be determined using a team’s score on the Field Test Core Questions only and the Provincial host location. Teams, other than the three winners from each Region, will be ranked using their Field Test Core Question score and offered the entry positions available for the current year’s Provincial Envirothon.
Sample scenario: 5 regions, a 24 team maximum Provincial Event: . 15 - Regional 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams will have automatic entries to the Provincial event . 8 - Teams from across the province will be offered entry based on their Field Test core question scores (all Regions combined) in descending order from highest to lowest. . 1 - Allowance for a local school to participate at the Provincial’s (even if they did not qualify otherwise.)
Provincial Envirothon Attendance The top three teams from each Region will automatically advance to the Provincial competition based on their combined score as described in Regional Scoring. Should any of these teams decline their entry position in the Provincial Envirothon that entry will then go to the team in their region with the next highest combined score and so on until the limit is reached.
Regionals North Region: Frontier School Division \ University College of the North East Region: Manitoba Parks and Natural Areas Branch\Alf Hole South Region: Assiniboine Hills Conservation District\Spruce Woods Prov. Park Winnipeg Region: Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre Western Region: Spruce Products Ltd.\Duck Mountain Forest Centre
STUDENT PARTICIPANTS AT OAK HAMMOCK MARSH (WINNIPEG) REGIONAL EVENT!
The Test Writing Committee prepared a standard test that was made up of core questions that are consistent throughout the regions. Regional hosts are also able to add local questions if they choose, subject to approval from the Test Writing Committee. For the second time, the Orals component was built into all Regional field tests as a two-stop cluster and then marked by judges. The students were given the Orals question two weeks before the Regional events and expected to develop a poster and presentation and then answer questions to support their analysis. Throughout the day host organizations had the ability to showcase their own programs and facilities.
There were initially 53 registered teams, and 50 teams participated in regional events from 26 different schools. Regional hosts put on wonderful events. One of the advantages to the regional program is that the host organizations are able to educate the students on the local environment and resource management issues in a local setting.
WILDLIFE TRAINING AT SOUTHWEST REGIONAL AT SPRUCE WOODS PROVINCIAL PARK Participating Schools 2015 There were 53 teams that originally registered for the regional events, however due to a variety of issues, 50 teams representing 62 schools were actually able to compete. ORALS PRESENTATION AT THE EASTERN REGIONAL COMPETITION AT ALF HOLE REGISTERED TEAMS / SCHOOLS (50/26)
Event School # Teams School Division Northern Cormorant Lake School 1 Frontier School Division (FSD) Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute 1 Kelsey School Division (KSD) Duke of Marlborough School 1 FSD R. D. Parker Collegiate 1 Mystery Lake School Division (MLSD) SouthWest Baldur School 3 Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) Carman Collegiate 3 Prairie Rose School Division (PRSD) Cartwright School 4 PSSD Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School 2 Brandon School Division (BSD) Fairholme Colony School 1 PSSD Glenboro School 3 PSSD Nellie McClung Collegiate 5 PSSD Oak River Colony School 1 Rolling River School Division (RRSD) Prairie Mountain High School 1 PSSD Virden Collegiate Institute 3 Fort La Bosse School Division (FLBSD) W. C. Miller Collegiate 1 Borderland School Division (BLSD) Winnipeg Elmwood High School 2 Winnipeg School Division (WSD) Gimli High School 2 Evergreen School Division (ESD) Shaftesbury High School 1 Pembina Trails School Division (PTSD) St. Boniface Diocesan High School 2 Private St. James Collegiate Institute 1 St. James - Assiniboia School Division (SJSD) Vincent Massey Collegiate 1 PTSD Westwood Collegiate 2 SJSD Eastern Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School 3 Lord Selkirk School Division (LSSD) Pinawa Secondary School 1 Whiteshell School Division (WhiteshellSD) Wanipigow School 1 FSD Western Swan Valley Regional Secondary School 3 Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) 5 Events 26 schools 50 teams 16 Divisions, 1 private
Provincial St. Boniface Diocesan High School 2 Private Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute 1 KSD R. D. Parker Collegiate 1 MLSD Vincent Massey Collegiate 1 PTSD Virden Collegiate Institute 1 FLBSD Swan Valley Regional Secondary School 3 SVSD Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School 2 LSSD Gimli High School 1 ESD St. James Collegiate Institute 1 SJSD Westwood Collegiate 2 SJSD Carman Collegiate 2 PRSD Shaftesbury High School 1 PTSD Nellie McClung Collegiate 2 PSSD Prairie Mountain High School 1 PSSD 14 Schools 21 Teams 9 Divisions, 1 Private
SKULL IDENTIFICATION AT WINNIPEG REGIONAL
PLEASE SEE APPENDIX B FOR A REGIONAL EVENT SUMMARY PROVINCIAL ENVIROTHON
The Provincial Competition was hosted at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), from May 21-23, 2015 with the field test around the Eve Werier Memorial Pond area of Winnipeg’s wonderful Assiniboine Forest!
Throughout the planning of the event the Manitoba Envirothon had tremendous support from The City of Winnipeg, CMU Staff and Shaftesbury High School, the Government of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro.
ORALS JUDGES TRAINING IN CMU LIBRARY Thanks folks!
A WELL-USED SNAG!
ASSINIBOINE FOREST’S SAGIMAY TRAIL UTILIZED FOR FIELD TEST Event topic-training took place on the grounds of CMU. The field test took place among the sites and sounds along the heavily used trails, forests and fields in Assiniboine Forest, along the Sagimay Trail and around Eve Werier Memorial Pond. Having open fields, native forests, urban development, heavy public use and a spring-fed natural wetland within a large population centre allowed for a very topical field test.
Again in 2015, a single trail was used for field test, advantages include being able to offer topic training opportunities in the morning, and a shorter marking session for the Test Writing Committee, without losing the outdoor or marathon-type nature of the event! This again required two teams to be at a stop together but as always; friendship, a common purpose and mutual respect allowed all to compete fairly!
Accommodation\Food Students and advisors were housed at the Concord and Poettcher Hall dormitories on the Canadian Mennonite University campus. Due to space limitations volunteers were not offered accommodations in 2015, opting for their own beds! This was our first time at CMU. The meals and hospitality were outstanding and helped make a very good experience for all participants. Murray Smith and Linda Christianson also provided meals for the SC and TWC during the event set up on Thursday. Appendix C contains the programs Financial Summary
Evening Activities
Thursday Once teams had arrived on Thursday and after a good meal in the evening they gathered in the CMU North Campus Auditorium for lively team introductions to the event. Co-chair of the Steering Committee, Byrnes Benoit served as Emcee for the evening. The event was kicked off by words of welcome from the Honourable Thomas Nevakshonoff, (right) Manitoba’s Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship, followed by Dave Wotton, President of the Manitoba Forestry Association, and then the creative and memorable Team Introductions!
Each team was given the opportunity to get up in front of the group to use their imagination and creative spirit to introduce themselves. Teams performed skits, songs and everything in-between, to tell the group a little bit about who they are, and where they are from! These introductions also serve to remind everyone of the other talents these students possess. Important Event house-keeping and logistical notices were also provided.
Andrea Swain, Myrna Potton and Traci Potton announced the “Jim Potton Environmental Responsibility Scholarship.” Details and application form to follow.
Friday After the field test, and the Friday evening dinner @ CMU, students and advisors had free time as the Arborist Tree Care Demonstration did not take place. Field Test
The field test took place on the “Town of Tuxedo” Trail, established along the Sagimay Trail in and around the Eve Werier Memorial Pond Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Forest. Having open fields, native forests, urban development, heavy public use and a spring-fed natural wetland within a large population centre allowed for a very topical field test.
Please refer to Appendix A to view maps of the 2015 Field Test.
Again the field test configuration was a single trail of 15 stops. There were no significant mobility issues for any participants in 2015. As in the past, there were two teams per stop, where they were required to share the equipment. At the end of the test teams were allowed an additional 12 minutes to finish up any questions from the field test. It was one of the first hot sunny days of the summer so it was good that we again had an on-site First Aid person to provide health tips, encourage sunscreen and handle the potential heat stroke and other issues which arose. Field Test participants were encouraged to continually hydrate AQUATIC ECOLOGY INVERTEBRATE SAMPLING ON FIELD TEST and drinking water stops were setup for use with their re-usable bottles!
So despite the heat the teams managed to stay cool and judging by the smiles and laughter, a good time was had by all! The team advisors were again given the important duty of being a “team buddy” and guiding a team of students from a school other than their own, around the field test. In this way they actually observe the field test, interact with the volunteers (but not distract the students) and share the thrill of the competition. Post-test team\ advisors debriefings help them plan future teams and provides feedback to the Test Writing and Steering MUSKRAT DISSECTION ON TRAIL TEST Committees. (teams were advised in advance about its use*!) PLEASE SEE APPENDIX E FOR THE FIELD TEST RULES * DISSECTION STATEMENT
"Students, teachers, and advisors:
On this year’s Envirothon provincial test, the Wildlife sub-committee (in consultation with the Test Writing and Steering Committees) has decided to use a dissected wild mammal specimen as part of one question. The Wildlife group strongly believes that dissection is an effective way of teaching students. Allowing students to observe a dissection allows real-life interconnections between organs and systems to be made in a real life situation. Most alternative forms of teaching only suggest an overly perfect model, not allowing for abnormalities or variation between specimens. It is also a great opportunity to teach ethics and respect for life. As wildlife biologists ourselves, we understand the importance of examining animals, looking for the stories their bodies can tell, and developing a respect and admiration for life.
The health and safety of the students has been taken into consideration and they will not be exposed to anything dangerous. The animal that is selected will have died for other reasons (it has not been put down for this event) and humanly treated throughout the process and in consultation with Manitoba Conservation & Water Stewardship.
For more information about the humane treatment of mammals please see http://www.mammalsociety.org/uploads/Sikes%20et%20al%202011.pdf.
If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to talk to Olwyn Friesen, Jennifer Bryson, Barbara Fuller, Kelly Lewis, or Glenn Peterson: [email protected]"
ORALS COMPETITION On Saturday morning teams were presented the Orals Challenge – which again this year was; to have a “conversation” amongst the “roll-playing” team members on the provided topic, rather than a formal audio\visual presentation. The intent – based on past feedback was to rely more on topic knowledge and ability to clearly express their opinion than colored paper and posters.
The Regional and Provincial Orals Challenges are included in Appendix D
As in the past, they were sequestered into individual rooms for 2 ½ hours to prepare a ten minute conversation. This took place at Shaftesbury High School – next door to CMU as due to other commitments CMU rooms were not suitable for Orals Prep. This year there were 5 panels of judges of 5 judges each, each panel seeing 3-4 teams. Judging orientation and training was similar – but slightly more refined than last year based on input received since this new type of challenge was first presented. Once the scores of the preliminary orals and field test scores were combined and tallied three teams were announced as the top-ranking: St. Boniface Diocesan High School, Swan Lake Watershed Conservation District, and Vincent Massey Collegiate. These teams then re-presented in front of a large audience including all the other teams and advisors and a new panel of 5 judges. At this point scores were re-calculated, taking into account these new final oral scores, and their final placing was announced.
Final Standings
First Place: The team from Vincent Massey Collegiate won this year’s Manitoba Envirothon. The team includes: Laura Alsip, Alicia Zelenitsky Hill, Karim Sidhom, Lauren Beauchamp, Yesha Subtincic West and advisor Bronwen Davies. The Manitoba Forestry Association, host of the Envirothon will provide the team funds and support as they represent Manitoba at the NCF North American Envirothon in Springfield Missouri, July 27 – Aug 2, 2015.
Second Place: The team from St. Boniface Diocesan High School, again with a good showing, placed second. Natalia Wicislak, Nooh Noga, Hannah Payumo, Damian Dragne and Griffin Swansen ( missing advisor Paul Grossman). Great job folks!
Third Place: The Swan Lake Watershed Conservation District Team from Swan River Regional Secondary School placed third. The team, Nicholas Connolly, Tayler Fleming, Jayden Wlasichuk, Victoria Verhoek and Braden Baker again had another strong showing (missing advisor Rick Wowchuk)! Rick (advisor of one of the “original four” teams) will be retiring this year, thanks for 19 great years Rick!
And to all the teams that competed, congratulations on a job well done! We hope you had fun too!
MANITOBA REPRESENTATION AT NORTH AMERICAN ENVIROTHON
The 2015 North American Envirothon is scheduled for the Missouri State University, Springfield,Missouri, July 27- August 2, 2015
The Manitoba Envirothon Steering Committee has always helped subsidize the travel cost of our winning team to represent us at the North American championship. Teams that win the Manitoba Envirothon and advance to the NCF North America Envirothon are faced with additional costs for traveling to the competition. The Manitoba Forestry Association, as part of the Manitoba Envirothon Budget, provides up to $5,000CDN to assist with these travel and event registration costs.
Congratulations folks, we are sure you will do us proud! Like always!
Thank You to Our Volunteers! Without our volunteers we would not be able to operate this program! There are many
individuals who are dedicated to the Manitoba Envirothon, some saying that, “attending the events is the highlight of my year!” Each regional
organization was able to draw on a large number of volunteers from local organizations and surrounding communities, and we thank them too!
In total over 100 individuals volunteered at the five regional competitions, and over 50 at the provincial competition! Regional Volunteers
Each regional organization was able to draw on a large number of volunteers from local organizations and surrounding community. In addition, many long-time volunteers representing dozens of organizations, associations and businesses within Manitoba also volunteered at the Regional events. The following individuals and volunteered their time and resources to help plan and deliver the regional events:
Adam Collicutt Graham Sayer Max Andrea Kraayeveld Ian Kitsch Mitch Timmerman Andrea McLean Irene Kraayeveld Myrna Potton Andrew Grauman Jack Crolly Neil Zalluski Andrea Swain Jennifer Bryson Nick Verras Angie Smith Jim Heshka Paul Frank Armand Belanger John Perry Paul Leblanc Audrey Boiston Justin Reid Paula Grieef Avery Ascher Karen Tjaden Randy Dow Barret Miller Kelly Bignell Ria Semenowich Bill Kraayeveld Kelly Lewis Robert Nichol Brigette Demarchuk Kristin Malec Shane Robins Brock Houndle Kristine Buhler Shawn McMahon Candice Froese Kyla Maslaniec Shawn Sexsmith Cliff Greenfield Leanne Kalinowich Sloan Cathcart Colby Desender Lexine Leblanc Susan Kasian Devon Baete Lisa Tack Tabatha Martens Duane Whyte Lori Forbes Tatiana Moroz Dusty Molinski Lynda Matchullis Teresa Visser Elaine Gauer Margaret Friesen Todd Hughes Ellen Cobb-Friesen Maria Alt Tom Moran Gerald Shelemy Marilyn Meyer Vern Bauman Glenn Peterson Marla Riekman Will Trowell
If we have missed anyone or misspelled your name, our apologies! Provincial Volunteers A number of volunteers also commit time and energy to help make the Provincial event a huge success. These volunteers come from many areas: the local area, all levels of government, industry, different interest groups, retired teachers and professionals, etc. They perform many duties, big and small, but all contribute to the overall success of the event. Thanks!
Alyssa Wachniak Graham Sayer Madeleine Asselin Amanda Taylor Holly Swart Mae Elsinger Amber Lahti Irene Kraayeveld Maria Zbigniewicz Andrea Evans Jack Crolly Myrna Potton Andrea Kraayeveld Jen Webb Nancy Chan-Wolowiec Andrea Swain Jennifer Lidgett Olwyn Friesen Andrew Olynyk Jennifer Bryson Patricia Pohrebniuk Barb Benoit Jessica Foss Perry Stovel Barbara Fuller Johanna Robson Richard Wishart Bill Kraayeveld John Dojack Robert Au Brenda Robinson John Shearer Ryan Klos Brett Andronak John Sinclair Ryan Sigmundson Byrnes Benoit Judy McNair Shye Klos Cathie Peterson Julia Minarik Sima Feuer Cathy Shaluk Justin Reid Stephanie Woltman Chandra Rodgers Kate Peterson Susan Eros Christina MacDonald Katherine Lane Susan Kasian Christine Mazur Kelly Lewis Susan Waldner Colby Desender Kim Fiddler Tatiana Moroz Doug Pratt Kyla Maslaniec Tim Byers Elaine Gauer Kristen Malec Traci Booth Ellen Cobb-Friesen Lee Hrenchuk Vicki Asu Eunice Pratt Linda Christianson Wendy Creed Glenn Peterson Lindsey Andronak
If we have missed anyone or misspelled your name, our apologies! 2015 Steering Committee Members
Name Steering Committee Position Representative Organization Andrea Swain Co-Chair, Orals Emerge Knowledge Barbara Fuller Education Committee Teacher - retired Volunteer Recruitment and Manitoba C&WS: Forestry Branch Brenda Robinson Training - retired Strategic Planning and Brendan Carruthers Manitoba Hydro - retired Fundraising Committee Co-Chair Co-Chair Byrnes Benoit Spectra Productions Media and Communications Dave Wotton MFA Executive (President) Retired
Glenn Peterson Envirothon Coordinator Manitoba Forestry Association
Jacqueline Monteith Education, Regional Host Frontier School Division Co-Chair Manitoba Conservation and Jennifer Bryson Test Writing Committee Water Stewardship (C&WS) University of Manitoba: Natural John Sinclair Orals Committee Co-Chair Resource Institute Regional Host Organization La Salle Redboine Conservation Justin Reid Representative District Kelly Lewis Test WC Co-Chair Manitoba C&WS: Forestry Branch
Linda Christianson Logistics Manitoba C&WS - retired
Mae Elsinger Theme Expert Citizen
Murray Smith Logistics Manitoba MAFRD retired
Olwyn Friesen Wildlife, Orals Student, MEC Regional Host Organization Oak Hammock Marsh Paula Grieef Representative Interpretive Centre Rick Wishart Education, Wildlife Ducks Unlimited - retired Regional Host Organization Sloan Cathcart Manitoba C&WS: Parks Branch Representative Steven Hills Orals Assiniboine Community College Susan Kasian Test Writing Committee DFO - retired Wendy Creed Forestry, Orals, Map support Manitoba C&WS: Forestry Branch Thank You to Our Sponsors!
We would like to thank the 2015 Manitoba Envirothon Sponsors, Funders and Partners whose generosity helped us make this youth environmental education program a success.
Partners of the 2015 Manitoba Envirothon
HOST ORGANIZATION Manitoba Forestry Association
REGIONAL HOSTS
Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre Frontier School Division & University College of the North Assiniboine Hills Conservation District Manitoba Parks and Natural Areas Branch Duck Mountain Forest Centre
LEGACY PARTNERS The Government of Manitoba Education & Advanced Learning, Conservation and Water Stewardship Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Manitoba Hydro
SUSTAINING PARTNERS Red River Cooperative Ltd.
FRIENDS OF ENVIROTHON The Manitoba Forestry Association would like to thank the following organizations for their team sponsorship and in-kind support:
The Potton Family
In-Kind and Financial Support
4-H Manitoba Council A Rocha Prairie Canada Assiniboine Hills Conservation District Brandon University Byers Environmental Studies Canadian Mennonite University Ducks Unlimited East Interlake Conservation District Environment Canada FCC (Farm Credit Canada) Flower Attic Fort Whyte Alive Four Seasons Frontier School DIvision Gibsons Sports Kelsey Conservation District LaSalle Redboine Conservation District Louisiana Pacific Ltd. Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Fisheries Forestry Parks and Natural Areas Water Science and Management Wildlife Strategic Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Fire Program Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning Manitoba Hydro Manitoba Model Forest Manitoba Museum Maskwa Ecological Consulting Inc. MNP Nature Conservancy of Canada Nature Manitoba Natural Resource Institute-University of Manitoba North Dakota Forest Service Nutrients For Life Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre Parks Canada Pineland Forest Nursery Prairie Architects Ltd. Prairie Spirit School Division Red River Cooperative Ltd. Safety Source S. Dangerfield Interpretive Planning Smith Poultry Consulting Special T Shirt Company Spectra-Productions Ltd. Spruce Products Ltd. Tolko Industries Ltd. Town of Virden Turtle Mountain Conservation District University College of the North University of Manitoba University of Winnipeg Youth Encouraging Sustainability
Team Sponsorship
East Interlake Conservation District La Salle Redboine Conservation District Pembina Valley Conservation District Prairie Rose School Division Prairie Spirit School Division Sexton Group Swan Lake Watershed Conservation District
Thanks one and all! Appendix A 2014 MANITOBA ENVIROTHON FIELD TEST
THANKS TO WENDY CREED OF MANITOBA CONSERVATION AND WATER STEWARDSHIP, FORESTRY BRANCH FOR THE OUTSTANDING MAP WORK!
Appendix B - REGIONAL SUMMARIES Regional: Eastern Host Organization: Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, Parks and Natural Areas Branch Date of Competition: Friday, April 24, 2015 Location of Competition: Alf Hole and Rennie Community Centre, Rennie, MB. Trainers: Soils and Land Use: Mitch Timmerman (MAFRD) Forestry: Graham Sayer (Manitoba Hydro) Wildlife: Brock Houndle, Todd Hughes (C&WS) Aquatic Ecology: Margaret Friesen, Ellen Cobb-Friesen (Mb Econet) Theme: Adam Collicutt (C&WS) Orals: Sloan Cathcart (C&WS), Andrea Swain (Emerge) Field Test Information: Questions generated by prov. TWC Format of Orals Component: Students were presented the topic two weeks before the competition and prepared a posted and presentation to address the challenge Food: Catering provided by host committee What Worked: Organization was good. Perfect number of volunteers this year which helped the day run smoother. Needs Improvement: Too few teams. Need to add some regional questions to the field test. Need to line up more volunteers (especially trainers) earlier in advance, especially if more teams participate. Total Cost: (5 teams) Food - $750.00, Facilities: - $100.00 = $850.00
Regional: Southwest Host Organization: Assiniboine Hills Conservation District Date of Competition: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 Location of Competition: Spruce Woods Provincial Park. Trainers: Soils and Land Use: Elaine Gauer (MAFRD), Mitch Timmerman (MAFRD) Forestry: Glenn Peterson, Tatiana Moroz, Kristen Malec (all MFA) Wildlife: Jennifer Bryson (C&WS) Aquatic Ecology: Susan Kasian (SC), Devon Baete (AHCD) Theme: Kyla Maslaniec (C&WS) Orals: Andrea Kraayeveld (C&WS) Field Test Information: Questions generated by prov. TWC, additional by host committee Format of Orals Component: Students were presented the topic two weeks before the competition and prepared a posted and presentation to address the challenge Food: Catering provided by host committee, Park vendor What Worked: Great facility Needs Improvement: Too many teams in SC’s opinion, unbalanced Regional #’s but was handled well by great committee. Total Cost: (27 teams) Food - $3729.00, Facilities - $ 25 = $3754.00 Regional: Northern Host Organization: Frontier School Division Date of Competition: Thursday, Friday April 23 & 24, 2015 Location of Competition: University College of the North, The Pas, MB. Trainers: Soils and Land Use: Jim Heshka & Lori Forbes (MAFRD), Forestry: Will Trowell (UCN) Wildlife: Maria Alt (C&WS) Aquatic Ecology: Marilyn Meyer (UCN) Theme: Shawn McMahon (UCN) Orals\ General: Shawn Sexsmith (KelseyCD), Avery Ascher (UCN), Kelly Bignell Field Test Information: Questions generated by prov. TWC Format of Orals Component: Students were presented the topic two weeks before the competition and prepared a posted and presentation to address the challenge Food: Catering provided by host committee What Worked: As many northern schools had not been involved before, Regional competition was preceded by two days of teaching and training by subject specialists and Frontier Staff. Great facility Needs Improvement: More teams Total Cost: (4 teams) Food - $524.01 Purchases – $422.23, Facilities: - $500.00, Travel: $ 288.43, = $1734.86. Airfare: $3428.25
Regionals: Winnipeg Host Organization: Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre, DU Date of Competition: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 Location of Competition: Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre, Stonewall, MB. Trainers: Soils and Land Use: Teresa Visser (OHM) Forestry: Tabatha Martens (OHM) Wildlife: Ria Semenowich (OHM) Aquatic Ecology: Dusty Molinski (OHM) Theme: Kelly Lewis (C&WS) Oral Judges: Audrey Boiston, Armand Belanger, Brigette Demarchuk (all EICD), John Perry, Ria Semenowich (OHM), Kelly Lewis (C&WS), Myrna Potton Field Test Information: Questions generated by prov. TWC, additional by host committee Format of Orals Component: Students were presented the topic two weeks before the competition and prepared a posted and presentation to address the challenge Food: Catering provided by host committee What Worked: Organization was good, good amount of time (1.5 hrs for training) Needs Improvement: More supplies, some training issues, wants materials earlier before event Total Cost: (11 teams) Food - $552.91 Facilities - $1,520.00 = $2,072.91
Regionals: Western Host Organization Duck Mountain Forest Centre Date of Competition: Thursday, April 23, 2015 Location of Competition: Duck Mountain Forest Centre , PR 366, Duck Mountain Provincial Forest Trainers: Soils and Land Use: Paul Leblanc (LP Ltd) Forestry: Paul Frank (LP Ltd) Wildlife: Gerald Shelemy (C&WS) Aquatic Ecology: Ian Kitch (C&WS) Theme: Leanne Kalinowich (C&WS) Oral Judges:, Vern Bauman (LP), Andrew Grauman, Duane Whyte, Paul Frank (all C&WS) Field Test Information: Questions generated by prov. TWC Format of Orals Component: Students were presented the topic two weeks before the competition and prepared a posted and presentation to address the challenge Food: Catering provided by host committee What Worked: Organization was good, good amount of time (1.5 hrs for training) Needs Improvement: Total Cost: (3 teams) Food - $531.16 Facilities - $0 = $531.16
Appendix C - Program Financial Summary
2014-2015 MANITOBA ENVIROTHON Budget September 1, 2014 - September 1, 2015 '@ October 1, 2015 Initially based on 45R / 24P Teams
Provincial Regional Total Envirothon Envirothon Events
INCOME
Province of Manitoba Manitoba (5 Depts.) $20,000.00 $5,000.00 $ 25,000.00 Red River Co-op $2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 Youth In Philanthropy - St. Mary's Academy
Corporate & Non-Government Sources $ - Manitoba Hydro $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $ 15,000.00 Canon Canada T-Shirt Assistance $ - Society for Rangeland Management $ - $ - Other Corporate & Non-Government Sources $ - Friends of the Envirothon $300.00 $ 300.00 $ - Other Revenue $ - Admissions/Reg./Program Fees (@$600\$75)* $12,600.00 $3,750.00 $ 16,350.00 est. # teams 21 50
TOTAL INCOME $39,900.00 $18,750.00 $ 58,650.00 EXPENSES Administration Costs Advertising & Promotion $200.00 $500.00 $ 700.00 Legal Costs $200.00 $200.00 $ 400.00 Subscriptions and Dues $200.00 $ 200.00 Meeting Expenses $300.00 $ 300.00 Insurance (new, 2014 - $0) $2,700.00 $4,047.84 $ 6,747.84 Office Supplies/Expenses $200.00 $200.00 $ 400.00 $ - Professional Development $100.00 $100.00 $ 200.00 $ - Salaries & Professional Services $ - Professional Services (Northern Coordinator) Theme Document Honorarium $ - $ - Program Delivery Costs Accomodations $13,500.00 $ 13,500.00 Awards & Recognitions $500.00 $ 500.00 Clothing Purchase $2,500.00 $3,355.00 $ 5,614.41 Equipment Rental $1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 Equipment Purchase $200.00 $ 200.00 Facility Rental $1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 Meals & Catering $12,853.00 $ 12,853.00 Miscellaneous Expenses $ - Postage/Shipping $150.00 $150.00 $ 300.00 Printing $500.00 $500.00 $ 1,000.00 Program Travel $ - Accomodations $400.00 $ 400.00 Private Mileage $1,000.00 $500.00 $ 1,500.00 Meal Allowance $100.00 $100.00 $ 200.00 Program Supplies $300.00 $1,000.00 $ 1,300.00 Registration Costs-Seminars/Conferences $200.00 $300.00 $ 500.00 Regional Support Payments $10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 TOTALS $ 37,503.00 $ 21,552.84 $ 58,815.25
North American Envirothon Expenses Team Award \ RESP Canon Membership Fees $350.00 $ 350.00 CEC Registration/Meeting/Travel $3,700.00 $ 3,700.00 Team Registration $1,300.00 $ 1,300.00 $5,350.00 $ 5,350.00
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 42,853.00 $ 21,552.84 $ 64,165.25 TOTAL INCOME $ 39,900.00 $ 18,750.00 $ 58,650.00
BALANCE -$2,953.00 -$2,802.84 -$5,515.25 Appendix D – Orals Challenges
2015 Manitoba Envirothon Regional Orals Challenge
Three councillors have submitted their alternative suggestions for the future of urban forestry planning in their town. Today, in Council Chambers they are discussing the merits of their own proposal and why it is better than the others. The following positions are:
1. All we need are healthy and abundant treed boulevards throughout the entire city to give the public a sense of appreciation for treed landscapes. All new developments shall have trees planted along the streets, and we will develop a schedule for planting old streets without trees where possible.
2. What we need is many small pockets of treed green space throughout the city, covering at least 5% of every neighbourhood to give everyone access to a place to enjoy nature.
3. We need to have one or a few large areas associated with river corridors or greenbelts around the city, and then there is no need to put cost and effort into treed boulevards or small neighbourhood green spaces.
Your team is arguing ONE of the positions above outlined above. Pick ONE of the three positions and discuss why this position is better than the others, including the pros and cons of your own position. Be sure to consider the three pillars of sustainability (financial, ecological, and societal) and the five topics of Envirothon study in your argument. In your discussion, take into account a long-term plan for these areas, including the management of these areas.
2015 Manitoba Envirothon Regional Orals Directions
1. Teams will hand-in their poster and cue cards when they register at the Regional event.
2. Team name must be identified on the back of the poster and cards.
3. We will allow one single-sided index-card per student for speaking notes. Index card will be 3''x5''.
4. The Poster size will be no larger than 36''x48'' (at Staples this is defined as the 'Project and Presentation Display Board').
5. Teams are allowed to use computer generated graphics/fonts/images to create their poster OR their poster can be computer printed.
6. Judges will consider readability and clarity of the poster, which is worth up to 30% of the presentation. Appendix D – Orals Challenges, continued. 2015 Manitoba Envirothon Provincial Orals Challenge
The Town Council of your hometown, Wimborne, is confronted with a proposal to designate a patch of forest within town limits for public use and appreciation, not unlike the Assiniboine Forest in Winnipeg. Some citizens have suggested that this land should be put to better use as residential or commercial space, while others are in favour of re-establishing the forest patch.
The Councillors have called a town hall meeting to hear the views of citizens so that they can consider the best response to this proposal. Your team represents five individuals in the community (e.g., business developer, arborist, local farmer, etc.) that reflect the diversity of opinions about what the land should be used for, what an urban forest is, and how to manage it.
Your team’s job is to present both sides of the argument to the Councillors at the town hall meeting, being sure to incorporate the three aspects of sustainability and five topic areas of Envirothon.
Instructions to Teams for Orals Competition - May 22, 2015
1. Good Morning and Welcome to the Orals Competition! 2. We have a few instructions and tips to help you prepare for your activities today. 3. I am glad to see so many green Envirothon t-shirts in the room. You are required to wear the green t-shirt you received at registration during your orals presentation. 4. Also, keep in mind that you should not at any time introduce your school or hometown name during your oral presentation. Use only your team number to identify your team. 5. When we have completed these instructions you will be united with your room monitor who will guide you to your oral preparation room. 6. Once at your room you will have 2 hours and 15 minutes to prepare. 7. Your room monitor is with you during this time to assist with logistics and keep you safe. Things they can and will help with include: guiding you to your room, assisting you if any supplies are missing, giving you snack. They will also be watching to make sure the door to your oral prep room is open at all times, that you are not using any electronic devices or any outside materials other than that was provided to you here at this orientation this morning. 8. REVIEW the question and score sheet. 9. REVIEW the tips. 10. When your oral prep time is over at 11:30 sharp you will return all of your materials into the envelope and pass the envelope to your room monitor. Then you and your room monitor will walk back to the cafeteria where there will be a station set-up for you to return your envelope to an Envirothon volunteer. 11. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria from 11:30-12:30. 12. 5 minutes before the start time for your Oral Presentation time walk quietly to your Oral Presentation Room. This information can be found posted near the cafeteria and on the wall of the gym.
13. All of the oral presentation rooms are in this building and there will be Envirothon volunteers on hand to help you find your room. 14. Your oral presentation materials will already be in your presentation room waiting for you when you arrive. A facilitator in your presentation room will hand you the materials when it is your turn to present. You will have 5 minutes to organize yourselves and get ready to present. You do not have to use the full 5 minutes. When you are ready to start signal to your facilitator. At that time the judges will introduce themselves and the facilitator will ask you to begin. The facilitator will time your presentation. You have a maximum of 10 minutes to present. The facilitator will give you 5, 2, and 1 minute warnings to help you pace yourself. After your presentation the judges have 5 minutes to ask you questions. When you are done your presentation please return all of your presentation materials to the envelope and leave it with the facilitator. You will need these materials again when you present at finals later today! 15. When you are done presenting you will head to . Where Byrnes Benoit will take your photo. 16. After your team photo you can relax and we will meet up again in this same gym for the final oral presentation and awards starting at 2:00 pm.
Appendix E – Field Test Rules 2015 Manitoba Envirothon Trail Test Code of Conduct (NEW) a) Team Members Team Members will treat other teams, Envirothon volunteers, equipment and the trail environment with respect. Team Members will not engage Trail Guides, other volunteers or bystanders in conversation regarding Trail Test questions, equipment or content. Team Members may question a Stop Attendant for clarification only. Team Members will advise a Stop Attendant immediately if the team feels a Trail Guide, other volunteer, bystander or competing team member has conversed with the team regarding the Trail Test, or interfered with the team by conversing with the team unnecessarily, by handling equipment, samples or other test materials, or by behaving in other disruptive or distracting ways. b) Trail Guides Trail Guides are expected to ensure the safety and appropriate test writing environment of the team they are assigned to for the duration of the Trail Test. Trail Guides will not engage their assigned team or other teams in unnecessary conversation or in conversation related to Trail Test questions, equipment or content, or distract teams in any other manner. Trail Guides will not handle equipment, samples or other test material during the Trail Test. Trail Guides may look at the copy of the stop questions. Trail Guides will advise a Stop Attendant immediately if they feel another Trail Guide, other volunteer, bystander or competing team member has conversed with the team assigned to them regarding the Trail Test, or interfered with the team by conversing with the team unnecessarily, by handling equipment, samples or other test materials, or by behaving in other disruptive or distracting ways. c) Stop Attendants Stop Attendants will ensure that the materials and equipment required to answer questions at their stop is accessible and in good working order. Stop Attendants will not engage teams in conversation other than that required to orient teams to questions at their stop or to clarify directions. Stop Attendants will immediately report any Team concerns and any test-specific conversations between Team Members and Trail Guides, other volunteers or bystanders, or between two teams at the same stop, to a Trail Monitor.
Trail Test Penalties: The following Trail Test infractions will incur the following penalties. Test specific conversation/collaboration with a Trail Guide, other volunteer or bystander – 5% deduction from the trail test score per incident reported. Disrespectful team behavior – towards other teams, volunteers or equipment – 7.5% deduction from the trail test score per incident reported. Use of a cell phone or other wireless technology while on the Trail Test – disqualification.