Shikellamy State Park, Union and Northumberland Counties-

     Over 250 students from five central Pennsylvania counties competed in the Susquehanna Valley Envirothon Tuesday morning.

     Both literally and figuratively, it’s a breath of fresh air for local high school students. A chance to get out of the classroom, and experience the great outdoors.

     Sunbury Christian School student Kellie Rothermel said, “You just learn new things and meet new people so it’s a great opportunity to get out there and do something different.”

     Students were instructed and tested in areas like wildlife, aquatics, forestry, soil identification, coal mining, and more.

     It’s a method of teaching that can’t be done with students at desks, and teachers at chalkboards.

     Millville science teacher Kirk Seesholtz noted, “During the schedule of the day it’s difficult to get out for 40 minutes here and there. By the time you get out you’ve got to get back in. So it’s great that the school, and the DEP, and the conservation district allow this day to happen.”

     Organizers say the best way to learn about Mother Nature is to actually be outdoors. They hope students leave the Envirothon with a greater appreciation for the world around them.

     Northumberland County Conservation District Manager Judy Becker said, “I hope they leave here with an understanding of how important it is to be familiar with your outdoor surroundings, and how important the environment is to everyday life.”

     It’s a message students say will stay on their minds as they head back to their classrooms.

     Rothermel added, “We need to be more aware of what’s happening in our surroundings and be more conscientious about what we do because it does affect other people.”

     One winning team from each of the five counties will move on to the state Envirothon later this month. The overall winners will advance to the national Envirothon this summer in North Carolina.