2015 Ohio Envirothon
June 8-9 at Mohican State Park Lodge
We are excited to be able to offer our premier competition at this first-class
facility; showcasing one of Ohio’s beautiful and unique natural areas
Please read ALL enclosed materials carefully!
Your enjoyment and success will depend on your level of preparation. We want all students and
advisors to have a pleasant, safe, and worthwhile experience. Please note: Advisors are responsible
for students at all times, except during the site testing, presentation preparation and actual
presentation. All teams are encouraged to review the enclosed Ohio Envirothon Rules and Regulations
prior to arriving on site.
Team Registration:
A registration form is enclosed. The names on this form must be the same as the names on your area
registration form. We will be cross-checking the Ohio Envirothon Registration form with the original
area forms. On the form, please note the five students from your team that will be attending the Ohio
Envirothon and return this form postmarked no later than May 11th.
In addition, include a non-refundable $100 Team Registration Fee. Checks should be made payable
to “OFSWCD-Envirothon”.
Lodging:
All teams are required to stay in the Mohican State Park Lodge on Monday night. You will receive
your room assignments at check-in. We have lodge rooms with 2 beds for the event and we will do
our best to house team members (of the same gender) together. In some cases that may mean sharing a
double bed, or “camping out” on the floor in a sleeping bag to keep team members together as much as
possible. Members of more than one team may be sharing a room.
If you wish to stay at the Lodge on Sunday night to take advantage of this beautiful facility and some
of the recreational opportunities, the cost is only $25 per student and $45 per advisor.
There will be at least two advisors per room. Advisors may request a single room and, if available, the
charge is $90 on Sunday night (versus $45) and $45 (versus “free”) on Monday night (payable to
OFSWCD-Envirothon). See back of registration form for single room and Sunday registration details.
Meals:
Your meals will be provided as follows: Monday lunch and dinner; and Tuesday breakfast and lunch.
Meals for Sunday evening and Monday breakfast are not included in the Sunday evening lodging cost,
but you may purchase meals in the Lodge restaurant. All rooms also have mini-refrigerators.
The cost of Monday night lodging and four meals for student team members and up to two
advisors are sponsored by the Ohio Envirothon Committee and
Ohio’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
----- Continued ------
YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:

Clothes, toiletries, footwear suitable for rough outdoor terrain, insect repellent, rain gear,
and a hat – the competition goes on, rain or shine!

Your favorite snacks and beverages – We will NOT be providing these for teams during the
presentation prep time on Monday evening.

Students may choose to bring a sleeping bag and pillow for camping out on the floor.

Students are asked to wear Envirothon T-shirts as follows:
o Monday – Area Envirothon shirt
o Tuesday – Ohio Envirothon shirt (provided upon check-in)
How to Get There: Mohican State Park Lodge is located at 1098 County Road 3006, Perrysville OH
44864. More information is available at http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/Mohican
Registration: Registration will take place in the lobby of the Lodge on Sunday evening from 7:009:00 p.m. and on Monday morning from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Emergency Phone Number: In case of an emergency, family may call the Mohican State Park Lodge
front desk at 419-938-5411 or 877-496-9224 ext. 106.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either Danielle Thompson, Brown County
SWCD, at 937-378-4424 x125 or Laura Hollingsworth, Ohio Federation of Soil and Water
Conservation Districts (OFSWCD), at 614-784-1900.
Please return your Ohio Envirothon Registration Form, $100 team registration fee, and
(if applicable) money for Sunday night lodging and advisor single rooms to:
Amy Pond
Warren SWCD
320 East Silver Street, Ste 300
Lebanon OH 45036-1887
[email protected]
Check should be made payable to: OFSWCD - Envirothon
***A copy of your team registration form should also be sent to your Area host.
They must be postmarked no later than May 11, 2015.
Additional Information
Ohio’s top 20 teams are competing for the opportunity to represent the state at the national competition
in Springfield, Missouri. The title of the national competition has been changed to the National
Conservation Foundation Envirothon (NCF-Envirothon). Additional prize information is enclosed.
Ohio Envirothon Registration Form
Please type or neatly print
Team Name:_____________________________________________________
School Address:________________________________ Phone: ____________
City: ________________________ County: _________________ Zip: ______
Name
(Names listed must match names on Area registration form) Sex
Grade
Size
Captain: ____________________________
Member:____________________________
Member:____________________________
Member:____________________________
Member:____________________________
Alternate:___________________________
Alternate:___________________________
Alternate:___________________________
Alternate:___________________________
Alternate:___________________________
____
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____
Advisor 1:
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___________________________ M / F
Summer address:_______________________________
T-shirt
Attending
Area State
____
____
____
____
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T-Shirt size _______________
Cell Phone:_________________
E-mail address:
Most state-level correspondence will be through e-mail. Please clearly note an e-mail address where you can be reached.
Advisor 2:
___________________________ M / F
T-Shirt size ________________
Summer address:________________________________ Cell Phone:_________________
E-mail address:
NOTES: Only registered team members or alternates with signed release forms may participate in the Area and
Ohio Envirothon. All teams must be registered by May 11. Alternate team members must be pre-registered, but
may attend the Envirothon ONLY if substituting for a registered team member who is unable to participate.
Send completed registration form and $100 registration fee per team by May 11 to:
Amy Pond
Warren SWCD
320 East Silver St., Ste 300
Lebanon OH 45036-1887
*See back to note medical or dietary restrictions and for info on Sunday lodging costs and Advisor
single room options.
Over 
Please note any mobility or medical issues, food preferences (i.e. vegan, vegetarian, etc.) or
dietary restrictions. We will try to accommodate these as much as possible.
Name
Comments
___________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
___________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
___________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
___________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
___________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Optional Advisor Single Room Request for Monday (if available):
Advisor Name ________________________________ Include $45
________________
Advisor Name ________________________________ Include $45
________________
Optional Sunday Evening Lodging Reservation: For your convenience, we are offering optional
Sunday night lodging at Mohican State Park Lodge. Please submit payment, as noted below, if you choose this
option rather than traveling to Mohican from home on Monday morning. All students are required to stay at the
Lodge on Monday night.
Five students at $25 each (Sunday only)
Include $125
# ______ Advisors at $45 each (Double rooms)
Include $45
or
or
# ______ Advisors at $90 each for single room
Include $90
(The cost of single advisor room for two nights is $90 + $45 or $135)
Team Registration fee of $100 is non-refundable and due
along with this registration form.
Total amount due
Include $100
_______________
_______________
_______________
_____________
_____________
(Combine optional single & Sunday lodging charges, and team registration fee)
All checks should be made out to OFSWCD – Envirothon and sent by May 11 to:
Amy Pond
Warren SWCD
320 East Silver St., Ste 300
Lebanon OH 45036-1887
Revised 4/20/15
Area and Ohio Envirothon Release Form
This form is to be completed by each student’s parent/guardian and returned to the sponsoring SWCD.
This form must also be completed and signed by advisors, staff persons and guests and returned to the
sponsoring SWCD.
Attendee’s Full Name (please print)_____________________________________________________________
Home Address______________________________________________________________________________
Street address, City, State, Zip Code
Home Phone (
)_________________________ Parent Work Phone (
Emergency Contact_______________________________________Phone (
)__________________________
)________________________
Relationship to Attendee______________________________________________________________________
Medical Insurance Provider____________________________ Policy #________________________________
Allergies (food, medication, insects, etc.)_________________________________________________________
Medical Conditions (asthma, diabetes, etc.)_______________________________________________________
Medical Equipment Used (Epi-pen, inhaler, etc.)__________________________________________________
Please bring any needed medical supplies with you to the testing stations.
Medications Currently Being Taken_____________________________________________________________
I understand the Ohio Envirothon may be strenuous and adverse weather conditions may occur.
Nevertheless, I assume the risk involved. In the event of an accident, I authorize the Ohio Envirothon to
provide emergency medical treatment for me during this event. I have been assured that all reasonable
care will be taken to prevent incident: therefore, I will not hold Ohio Envirothon, the Ohio Federation of
Soil and Water Conservation Districts, or the host site liable should an accident occur.
I also give my consent to the use of any photographs or videos taken of me by officials of the Envirothon
or their representatives to be used for promotional and/or editorial purposes only.
Signature of Participant________________________________________ Date__________________________
I (please print)_____________________ (parent/guardian) give permission for my child ___________________
(name)
to participate in the Area and/or Ohio Envirothon.
Signature of Parent/Guardian_____________________________________ Date________________________
Relationship to Participant____________________________________________________________________
Revised 8/2011
27th Ohio Envirothon
June 8-9, 2015
(4/24/15)
Sunday – June 7
3:00
Lodge check-in available
7:00 – 9:00
Registration for teams and volunteers staying at Mohican State
Park on Sunday evening (Lobby)
Monday – June 8
9:00 – 10:00
Team and volunteer registration (Lobby)
10:15 – 10:55
Welcome, orientation, and travel to test site
11:00 – 11:45
Station 1
11:55 – 12:40
Station 2
12:45 – 1:15
Lunch at Station 2
1:30 – 2:15
Station 3
2:25 – 3:10
Station 4
3:15 – 3:30
Travel to Lodge
3:30 – 3:45
Group pictures
3:45 – 4:45
Free time
4:45 – 5:30
Dinner
5:40 – 6:00
Presentation Orientation
5:45 – 10:00
Advisor tour
6:00 – 10:00
Team Presentation Prep
11:00
Lights Out
Tuesday – June 9
Time TBD
Breakfast
8:00 – 11:00
Room Check Out (Lobby)
8:00 – 12:30
Team Oral Presentations
9:00 -- 12:00
Career Fair
12:40 – 1:30
Banquet
1:40 – 2:30
Awards Ceremony
** Tentative Agenda – A final version with activity locations will be included at registration.
2015 Ohio Envirothon
Team Presentation Information
1. Each team will prepare and deliver a five-minute oral presentation.
2. General topic: Urban/Community Forestry
3. At 5:40 p.m. on Monday evening, a representative from each team will participate in a
“lottery” to determine team presentation times on Tuesday morning. Advisors will be
leaving the room at 5:45 p.m.
4. Teams will be given the presentation challenge following the lottery and will have four (4)
hours (from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) to prepare their presentation. During this four-hour
period, advisors will not be permitted to assist their teams in any way. Each team will be
accompanied by an Ohio Envirothon Committee (OEC) volunteer (Team Buddy) during the
presentation preparation time.
5. All supplies and materials needed to make visual aids for Tuesday’s presentations will be
provided to the teams Monday evening by the OEC.
Presentation notes may only be printed on the index cards that will also be provided by OEC.
6. TEAMS MAY BRING AND USE HARD COPY REFERENCE AND RESEARCH MATERIALS (BROCHURES,
BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, ETC.) TO PREPARE THEIR ORAL PRESENTATIONS, BUT MAY USE ONLY OEC
PROVIDED VISUALS AID MATERIALS. PICTURES, CHARTS, AND OTHER GRAPHICS FROM
RESOURCE MATERIALS MAY NOT BE USED IN VISUAL AIDS. Computers are not permitted.
Additionally, all cellular phones must be given to the Team Buddy during presentation
preparation. Following the four-hour work period, all visual aids, notes, and provided
materials will be locked in a secure location by OEC (to ensure fairness). Failure to abide by
these rules, or the use of unauthorized material(s), will result in presentation point deductions
or disqualification.
7. Tuesday, “Presentation Day,” will be conducted as follows:
At the presentation time (determined by lottery on Monday evening), each team will be
allotted 5 minutes for their presentation. Presentations will begin at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Only
the presenting team, presentation judges, team advisor (if agreed upon by team), OEC timekeeper and camera crew will be allowed in the room during the presentation. Teams are
allowed to arrive at the designated prep room 10 minutes prior to their presentation, at which
time they will pick up the materials they prepared Monday evening.
An OEC time-keeper will keep track of presentation times. Teams will be alerted of the time
that has passed via the following visual signals:
 green card warning at 4 minutes
 yellow card at 5 minutes
 red card and cut off at 6 minutes
Continued on back……..
Each team will then be allotted 2-3 minutes to respond to judges’ questions. Judges will be
allotted three minutes to finish tabulating their scores before the next team enters the
presentation room. The new team will have one minute to compose themselves before
beginning their presentation.
8. A portion of each team’s presentation score will be based on equal participation of ALL
TEAM MEMBERS. Each team member is expected to take an active role in the oral
presentation.
9. Presentations will not be “simulcast” at the 2015 Ohio Envirothon competition. However,
teams will have the option of having their advisor(s) present during their presentation.
10. Scoring will be based on the enclosed Ohio Envirothon Team Presentation Scoring Sheet.
The presentation portion of the competition is worth a possible 200 points. Each of the ecostation tests will be worth 100 points each, for a total possible score of 600 points.
11. Each team will receive copies of the judges scoring sheets of their presentation in their exit
packet.
Revised 4/20/15
Ohio Envirothon Team Presentation Scoring Sheet
TEAM # __________ JUDGE # ___________
Scoring Description
0 – Not at all.
2 – Major misconceptions or gaps, ineffective, inadequate, inappropriate.
4 – Some misconceptions and flaws, minimally effective, somewhat appropriate.
6 – Complete and accurate, effective, adequate and appropriate.
8 – Complete, very detailed, logical, well supported and organized, highly effective.
10 – Profound, in-depth, done in an insightful manner, points to a most effective strategy.
.
PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION OF PLAN (60 point maximum)
A. How well did the presentation address or identify:
 The current issue?
 All the players/interest groups/stakeholders affected by the problem?
 The major natural resource areas (soils/land use, wildlife, aquatic ecology, forestry)?
 The specific environmental problem and related issues regarding the problem?
 The interrelationship between the environment, natural resources, and the different
natural resource management strategies?
B. Were references and resources cited in the team presentation?
CIRCLE SCORE
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
2
2
2
4
4
4
4
4
6
6
6
6
6
8
8
8
8
8
10
10
10
10
10
0
2
4
6
8
10
Subtotal
APPLICATION OF DATA (80 point maximum)
A. How well did the team demonstrate a solid understanding of:
 The ecological/environmental issues related to the problem?
 The economic issues related to the problem, including the cost and benefits of the
proposed plan, funding sources, cost of doing nothing, economic impacts on resources?
 Social and/or cultural issues related to the situation (private property rights, traditions,
urban issues, environmental justice)?
 Political issues (regulations, mandates, impact on political system/community)?
B. The team presented one unified, viable solution to the problem addressing the resource
issue.
C. The main points were clearly stated and supported, conclusions clearly defined and
convincing.
D. Does the solution have the potential to be implemented with long-term sustainability to
natural resources?
E. Does the solution reflect or address the concerns of all affected groups and issues?
0
0
2
2
4
4
6
6
8
8
10
10
0
2
4
6
8
10
0
0
2
2
4
4
6
6
8
8
10
10
0
2
4
6
8
10
0
2
4
6
8
10
0
2
4
6
8
10
Subtotal
QUALITY OF PRESENTATION AND REQUIRED ELEMENTS (60 point maximum)
A. The presentation was well organized with a clear introduction and strong conclusions.
B. Participants exhibited professionalism and enhanced the presentation with good eye
contact, gestures, voice inflection, and originality.
C. Visual aids were used to make major points and show conclusions. (Should be correct, eye
appealing, readable, neat)
D. Judges questions were answered logically and concisely with all team members
participating.
E. Add up to ten points for equal participation of all team members in presentation.
F. Give 10 extra points if time falls between 4:00 minutes and 6:00 minutes – time was:
0
0
2
2
4
4
6
6
8
8
10
10
0
2
4
6
8
10
0
2
4
6
8
10
0
0
2
4
6
8
10
10
Subtotal
Final Score (out of 200 possible)
OHIO ENVIROTHON
Rules and Regulations
1.
Students currently in grades 9 through 12 or equivalent home
school ranking when Area Envirothons are held are eligible to
participate in the Envirothon. Graduating seniors on winning
teams may participate in the Ohio Envirothon and Canon
Envirothon during the summer following Area competitions.
2.
Each team will consist of five team members. TEAMS MUST REGISTER
AND COMPETE WITH 5 TEAM MEMBERS. All team members must be
students from the same school, or the same home school association. All teams
advancing to the Ohio Envirothon will be certified by their affiliated Soil and
Water Conservation District (SWCD).
3.
Up to 5 alternate team members may substitute for regular team members in the
Ohio Envirothon if alternates were registered at Area competition with that team
and are properly registered with that team at the Ohio Envirothon. (Official
registration forms provided by the Ohio Envirothon Committee (OEC) for Area
and Ohio Envirothons must be used.) Alternates not substituting for a regular
team member may not attend. Each Area Envirothon committee will be required
to submit to the OEC copies of the original Area Envirothon registration forms for
the 4 teams advancing to the Ohio Envirothon by the date specified by the OEC.
4.
The four top-scoring teams from each of the five Area Envirothons will be
eligible to compete in the Ohio Envirothon. In the event that any of the top 4
teams cannot advance to the Ohio Envirothon, the team(s) with the next highest
score(s) will be eligible to compete. Teams unable to compete at the Ohio
Envirothon must notify their affiliated SWCD within five calendar days following
their area competition. That district must in turn contact the area chair within 24
hours of notification. Area chairpersons are responsible for identifying the next
eligible team and coordinating with their affiliated SWCD to ensure registration
forms are submitted.
5.
A $100.00 non-refundable registration fee is required of all participating teams.
This registration fee, along with neatly printed or typed registration and medical
forms, must be received by the announced deadline. Late or illegible registration
forms may be rejected.
6.
It is advised that an SWCD representative accompany winning team(s) from their
county to the Ohio Envirothon.
7.
Each team must be accompanied by an adult team advisor(s) and/or conservation
district representative 21 years of age or older. Each team is encouraged to
arrange for an adult male to chaperone male team members and an adult female to
chaperone female team members. Team members and chaperones/advisors are
required to stay on-site and will be housed together when practical.
8.
The field test will consist of four ecosystem stations lasting 40-50 minutes. Each
of the field tests will constitute 1/6th of the total score.
9.
All materials/equipment needed for the field-testing portion of the Ohio
Envirothon will be provided by the OEC. Students are not to be in the possession
of any material/equipment other than those provided on-site. The advisor or
coach shall not assist the team during the competition.
10.
Resource specialists involved in preparations for Ohio Envirothon testing and/or
oral presentation may provide information, materials, or other assistance
pertaining to the Ohio Envirothon field testing and/or oral presentation only to
those individuals designated by the OEC.
11.
Teams competing at the Ohio Envirothon will be provided a copy of the test and
answer key in the “post competition packet”. (All original team tests and
answers will remain the property of the Ohio Envirothon Committee. Once a
team hands in the test at the site it becomes the property of the Ohio
Envirothon Committee).
12.
The oral team presentation will be 5 minutes in length followed by a question and
answer period. All five team members must participate. Guidelines for the oral
presentation will be provided to teams prior to the competition.
13.
The oral presentation will be based on 200 possible points. Each team will have
three separate scores (one from each judge), which will be averaged for the final
score. In the case that a judge is unable to participate, the Ohio Envirothon
Committee will appoint someone to fill this opening.
14.
The following violations will not be tolerated during the Ohio Envirothon;
a.
Stealing of, or vandalism to, personal, private or public property.
b.
Cheating in any form.
c.
Possession and/or use of tobacco, alcohol or controlled substances.
15.
A Grievance Committee of three (3) persons will be appointed and identified prior
to the Ohio Envirothon to decide on actions to be taken should any of the above
stated violations occur. Because students compete in the Ohio Envirothon as a
team, the actions of one or more members of a team may be considered to be the
actions of the team as a whole.
 An Envirothon team may be disqualified from advancing to the next
level of competition.
 A school may be barred from Ohio Envirothon competitions for a
period of time, depending on the nature and severity of the incident.
 A school or individual may be billed for damages.
16. Grievances related to Ohio Envirothon procedures must be submitted to the
Grievance Committee within a time period announced prior to the event. The
decisions of the Grievance Committee are final. See the Ohio Envirothon Grievance
Policy for more details.
17. Any infraction of the Rules and Regulations of the Ohio Envirothon may result in
disqualification and dismissal from the event and host site.
18. Tiebreaker procedures will be announced prior to the beginning of the competition.
The winning team will be the team with the highest cumulative point total at the end
of the four testing stations and presentation event. Tie-breaker;
1.
presentation
2.
ecostation 1
3.
ecostation 2
4.
ecostation 3
5.
ecostation 4
6.
coin flip
19. Awards for the Ohio Envirothon will be announced prior to each year’s event.
20. The winning team at the Ohio Envirothon will represent Ohio in the Canon
Envirothon competition. In the event that the winning team cannot represent Ohio in
the Canon Envirothon, the second place team will represent Ohio, and so forth.
21. Rules and regulations of the Ohio Envirothon are subject to change by the Ohio
Envirothon Committee. Any and all changes will be provided in advance to all teams
and advisors.
Revised:
6/96
1/98
10/99
7/00
3/01
5/11
11/11
OLD-00revisedrulesregulations.doc
Ohio Envirothon Grievance Form
A.
Only Team Advisors, OEC Members or Adult Volunteers for Ohio Envirothon
Competition may file a written Grievance.
B.
Grievances must be submitted on this form no later than one hour after the conclusion of the activity
in question (field testing, oral presentation prep, oral presentation, awards banquet).
C.
No grievance will be accepted without a written potential solution.
D.
The decision of the Grievance Committee/OEC is final.
Individual and Team Name filing the Grievance/Notice: ____________________________________
Coach/Advisor:______________________________________________________________________
If filed against another team, what is that Team Name? ______________________________________
Coach/Advisor : _____________________________________________________________________
Time and Date that the stated violation was observed: ________________________________________
Event:
(i.e. testing station, oral presentation)
Date Filed:
Time Filed:
Description of Grievance:
What part of the Ohio Envirothon Rules, Policy or Code do you feel has NOT been followed and why?
(Please state specific rule number.)
Suggested resolution proposed by team filing the grievance:
Team Advisor’s Signature: ____________________________________________________
Action Taken By Grievance Committee/OEC:
Time:
Date:
Chairperson of Grievance Committee Signature:
Time:
November 2011
Date:
Ohio Envirothon Grievance Policy
Grievance Committee

A grievance committee of three members will be appointed by the Ohio
Envirothon Committee during the May meeting prior to that year’s competition.

Grievance committee members will not have a team from the county in which
they work and/or reside competing in the Ohio Envirothon.

Grievance committee members must attend the entire competition.
Who may file a grievance?



The Advisor of a registered team
An OEC member
An adult volunteer for the Ohio Envirothon competition
Filing a Grievance
1. Grievance forms will be available at each testing station, checkpoint Charlie, the
registration table, and the awards banquet.
2. A written grievance must be submitted on an official form no later than one hour after
the conclusion of the activity in question (field testing, oral presentation preparation,
oral presentation, or awards banquet).
Reviewing the Grievance
1. Grievance committee members will investigate all complaints and make a
determination.
2. A decision will be made by the committee in a reasonable time frame not to exceed
one week from the close of the competition.
3. Advisors involved in the grievance will be notified as to the decision of the
committee.
4. All decisions made by the grievance committee/OEC will be final.
February, 2012
2015 Ohio Envirothon
Awards Schedule
The Envirothon is, naturally, about much more than “prizes” and “awards!” But we know that
these are important, too! Here’s a run-down of the various awards to be presented at the
conclusion of the 2015 Ohio Envirothon.
Station Level Awards
Four Eco-Stations and the Oral Presentation
 Each student on the high scoring team for each station will receive an
Eco-Station or Oral Presentation Medallion.
“Rookie” Team

High scoring “Rookie” team (first time school has been represented at the Ohio
Envirothon) will receive a plaque if there is more than one rookie team
competing.
Third Place Team

Team will receive a plaque and a check for $100.
Second Place Team

Team will receive a plaque and a check for $200.
First Place Team

Team will receive a plaque and a check for $300.

Team will have the opportunity to represent Ohio at the National Conservation
Foundation Envirothon in Springfield, Missouri – July 27 to August 11, 2015. This
includes payment of the team registration fee of $1,300 and up to $3,000
reimbursement for travel costs (plane tickets, train expense, or van rental)