Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District
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  • Home
  • About
    • About >
      • Staff & Supervisors >
        • Supervisor- Nominee Info Sheets
    • Donate/Affiliate Membership
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Newsletter >
      • News articles
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Strategic Plan
    • Contractor List
  • Programs & Services
    • Ag Stewardship/INfield Advantage >
      • Agriculture Resources
    • Drainage
    • Financial Assistance/Cost Share Programs
    • Invasive Species >
      • Invasive Trade In Program
      • Hamilton County Invasives Partnership
    • Map Resources
    • Native Plant Sale
    • Native Tree Sale
    • Rain Barrel Info & Sales
    • Rule 5 Submission
    • Soil Is Alive: Soil Health Trailer
    • Soil Maps & Surveys
    • Soil Testing
    • Stony Creek Feasibility Study
    • Photo Contest
    • Well Capping
    • Well Water Testing
    • Report a Polluter
    • Tool Loan Program
    • Video Resources
  • Urban Conservation
    • Backyard Conservation
    • Conservation Playhouse
    • Urban Agriculture >
      • Donate Your Vegetables
      • Garden Resources
    • Creating and Maintaining a Prairie
    • Restoring HOA Native Landscapes
    • Stormwater Landscape Maintenance Training
    • Rain Garden Info
    • Seed pack
    • Tree Info
    • Where to buy native plants & seed
  • Events
    • Workshops & Events
    • Rain on Main
    • Sustainability Workshop
    • Past events & recordings
  • Online Store

Central Indiana Regional Envirothon

Good News!  The Envirothon has gone virtual and it is free this year. Regional Competition for the 2021 season is underway.  Visit the new Indiana Envirothon website for registration and more information. The State Envirothon Committee has also decided to make the the Indiana State Envirothon completion virtual and free. Thanks you for your interest and continued focus on our Natural Resources.
Register Here
For this years competition, teams will need to either complete the test virtually, with everyone in the testing room with access to a webcam or other video camera, or teams can meet in-person and obtain a proctor. Teams will still be tested together as a team, so think about scheduling some time with your teammates early. Contact our office for more information on proctoring guidelines.
Envirothon is a knowledge competition between teams of five students who represent various schools and organizations. Students must be in grades 9-12. Competitors will answer the provided questions based on aquatic ecology, forestry, soils/land use, wildlife, and the 2021 current issue which is Water Resources Management: Local Control and Local Solutions. 
​
Students will be exposed to many new subjects as well as to various natural resources professionals. On the day of the competition, students will attend 5 short classes for each of the aforementioned subjects. 

​There will be eight regional competitions in Indiana, and the top teams from each regional contest will then be invited to compete at the state level. The winner of the Indiana Envirothon will then compete this summer at the national NCF-Envirothon which will be held July 26th-August 1st, 2020 at the University of Nebraska

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Central Region Competition Date:
​Test close on March 19, 2021

Registration Form

Click here to Read the Rules of the Competition

Click here to access the ​2021 Resources

Interested in barrowing a book from our lending library?
We have many of the resources needed to study the materials available at our office.  Contact our office for terms and requirements.
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 References - Visit the IndianaEnvirothon.org Website and click on the Resource Tab      for the most up to date information- below are older resources that are still helpful

Information about the five topics can be studied through provided links below.  Click on Subject Tab for a collection of references.
  • Aquatic Ecology
  • Forestry
  • Soils/Land Use
  • Wildlife
  • 2020: Water Resource Management
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>
Hoosier Riverwatch
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Training Manual
volunteer_monitoring_manual.pdf
File Size: 16728 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


US Geological Survey (USGS) Water Resources
​Only links provided are necessary
USGS Water Resources
The Water Cycle
Surface Water​: Lakes & Reservoirs, Rivers, Rivers & the Landscape, Watersheds
Groundwater: What is Groundwater, Aquifers

Agencies Working on Clean Water
​Be familiar with the agencies, programs, and roles of each.
watershedagencies.pdf
File Size: 182 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Indiana Department of Environmental Management
IDEM'S NONPOINT POLLUTION
IDEM'S WATER CYCLE

Aquatic Ecology Objectives

1. Identify assisting agencies and laws that govern Indiana waters, and develop a working understanding of the programs which benefit our water resources.
2. Define a watershed and the interaction of its components.
3. Define and understand the difference between non-point source and point source water pollution, as well as types of water pollution (organic, inorganic, thermal, toxic, etc.) and their impacts.
4. Be able to conduct water tests and interpret data for assessing water quality ie: dissolved oxygen, BOD5, turbidity, nitrate/nitrate etc.
5. Identify aquatic organisms, be able to classify them by pollution tolerance groups, and determine their indication of aquatic health.
6. Understand the unique characteristics of freshwater resources (lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, reservoirs, wetlands, and groundwater).
7. Understand the basic concepts of hydrology and the water cycle.
8. Be familiar with the distribution of the Earth’s water and understand water’s changing states and processes of the Water Cycle.
​9. Be familiar with citizens' simple actions that can be implemented to prevent non-point source pollution. 
10. Be able to identify and understand the interaction of segments of a community where water pollution may occur.


Past Links 

Indiana DNR
Spot the Threat-Aquatic (Water) Invasives links
Invasive Species

Purdue Extension Water Quality
Animal Agriculture's Effect on Water Quality Pastures and Feedlots.
Water Quality
Envirothon Forestry Guidelines
​All resources under Key Points 1 and 2; Resources 1,2,and 4 under Key Point 3; and Resource 2 under Key Point 4 
Envirothon Guildelines

Purdue Extension
FNR-180 (part 1 and 5 only), FNR-219, FNR-IDNR-36 
A Landowner’s Guide to Sustainable Forestry in Indiana—Part 1
Importance of Hardwood Tree Planting
Planting Forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana  ​
Purdue Extension

The Practice of Forestry in Indiana
All links under "The Practice of Forestry in Indiana" header
DNR

Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: Sustaining our Oak-Hickory Forests 
Sustaining our forests

​50 Trees of Indiana
Purdue Publication 4-H-15-80
Fifty Trees of Indiana Book
Please contact our office about loaning options.

Indiana Forestry Best Management Practices
DNR Best Management Practices

Forestry Objectives

1. Know the parts of a tree and be able to explain the tree’s life cycle.
2. Identify common tree species without a key and identify specific or unusual trees & shrubs through the use of a key.
3. Understand the term silviculture and be able to explain the uses of the following silviculture techniques: thinning, prescribed burning, single tree & group tree selection, shelterwood method, clear-cutting with & without seed trees, & coppice management.
4. Know how to use forestry tools & equipment in order to measure tree diameter, height & basal area.
5. Understand how the following issues are affected by forest health & management: biodiversity, forest fragmentation, forest health, air quality, aesthetics, fire, global warming & recreation.
6. Understand how economic, social & ecological factors influence forest management decisions and policy affect sustainability.
7. Understand the economic value of forests and know many of the products they provide to people & society.
8. Know the typical forest structure: canopy, understory and ground layers and crown classes.
9. Understand forest ecology concepts and factors affecting them, including the relationship between soil and forest types, tree communities, regeneration, competition, and primary and secondary succession.
​10. Understand what forestry best management practices (BMPs) are and how and why they are used to protect the forest and its soil and water resources while harvesting timber.
11. Understand the role of forests in protecting and enhancing water quality and that sustainable forest management is compatible with the protection of water resources.
Indiana Soils: Evaluations and Conservation
Note: Be familiar with all chapters.
Indiana Soils

Indiana Conservation Partnership 
​​Including partnering agencies links
Indiana Conservation Partnership

Soil Biology and Land Management (USDA)
nrcs142p2_052489.pdf
File Size: 534 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Guide to Texture by Feel (USDA)
USDA Texture

The 12 Orders of Soil Taxonomy
Soil Taxonomy

Soils / Land Use Objectives

1. Identify partnering agencies and be aware of the programs that assist land users with soil issues.
2. Know and understand the 5 soil forming factors, their influence on soil properties, and the soil forming processes.
3. Know basic characteristics of the 12 soil taxonomic orders and know what soil orders are in Indiana.
4. Be able to recognize and identify features of soil profiles, properties, characteristics, structures, and be able to determine soil texture.
5. Recognize the importance of soil and that biological diversity is important for soil health and the health of those connected to the soil.
6. Understand the relationships of soil ecosystems as well as hydrologic, carbon, and nutrient cycles to soil management.
7. Understand that soil fertility relates to physical and chemical properties of the soil including quantity of nutrients essential for plants, and why it reflects the physical, chemical, and biological state of the soil.
8. Understand how different land uses and conservation practices impact soils and erosion, and the importance of soil management to agriculture/rural areas, urban environments, and to clean water, including point and non-point source pollution
9. Understand key terminology relating to soils and land use.

Past Resources

Agronomy Technical Report 1- Precision Agriculture 
Technical Report

Endangered Species Act (ESA) Basics
esa_basics.pdf
File Size: 207 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Animal Tracks of IN
​(Please contact our office to inquire about loaning options)
Animal Tracks of IN, Tamara Eder
Lone Pine Publishing, 2001, ISBN: 1-55105-307-1

American Wildlife & Plants: A Guide To Wildlife Food Habits
​(Please contact our office to inquire about loaning options)
Martin, Zim, Nelson: Dover Publications, Inc., 1951;
​ISBN:0-486-20793-5

DNR Fish & Wildlife
Be familiar with the links and the info under About Us, Hunting Guide, 2018-2019 Seasons, Fishing Guide, Nongame & Endangered Wildlife, Nuisance Wildlife, Wildlife Resources, Wildlife Diseases, Animals, Invasive Species
DNR
About Us                                                 Hunting Guide 
2018-2019 Seasons,                               Fishing Guide
Nongame & Endangered Wildlife            
Nuisance Wildlife          Wildlife Resources                                  Wildlife Diseases Animals                                                  Invasive Species 

Wildlife Guide: National Wildlife Federation
Pollinators, Threats to Wildlife, and Understanding Conservation
Wildlife Guide

Maryland State Envirothon Wildlife Study Guide
Maryland Wildlife Resources

Wildlife Resource Manual
Wildlife Resource Manual

Envirothon Wildlife Glossary
Be familiar with wildlife terms.
Wildlife Glossary

Wildlife Objectives

1. Understand the role of federal and state agencies, and the programs and laws that govern Indiana wildlife & the protection, conservation, management, and enhancement of Indiana’s wildlife & their habitat through improvement practices.
2. Identify Indiana wildlife species (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crustaceans, mussels, insects, spiders, etc.) by physical characteristics, tracks, movement patterns, habitat suitability, & other unique characteristic signs.
3. Identity and differentiate between extinct, extirpated, endangered, threatened, & species of special concern. Understand the importance of biodiversity and the implications of its loss. Describe factors affecting Indiana species and the methods being used to improve existing populations.
4. Describe the current struggles of native Indiana wildlife species impacted by biological & physical agents as well as the introduction of invasive non-native species & cite examples of current and potential concerns to native populations.
5. Identify basic wildlife survival needs of Indiana wildlife, the niche they serve, & habitats where they may be found. Describe specific adaptations of Indiana wildlife species to its environment and its role in the ecosystem.
6. Describe situations that limit or enhance population growth and discuss the concept of carrying capacity & limiting factors. Be familiar with examples that have or may occur in Indiana.
7. Be able to name habitat requirements for wildlife and the factors that affect suitability. Recognize the importance of wildlife adapting to its environment and be able to explain advantages of anatomical, physiological, and/or behavioral adaptations of wildlife to their environment.
8. Understand wildlife & wildlife related terminology such as: habitat, ecosystem, biodiversity, herbivore, endangered, food web, niche, invasive, etc.
9. Be familiar with current events that may be impacting Indiana wildlife, whether year-round residents or migratory species. (Due to how current the event there might not be a cited reference for this objective.)

Past Resources

National Wildlife Health Center
Wildlife Health Center

Water Resources Management: Local Control and Local Solutions

Water Budgets: Foundations for effective Water Resources and Environmental Managment, USGS
USGS Resource

Integrated Water Resource Management-American Rivers
​
Visit all sections steps, and links under "Explore more about integrated Water Management"
Water Resource Management

What is Hydrology
USGS Hydrology

A Guide to Assessing Green Infrastructure Costs and Benefits for Flood Reduction- NOAA
Green Infrastructure

Groundwater and Surface Water: A Single Resource. USGS Circular 1139
Groundwater and Surface Water

Water Resource Management-ThinkTVPBS
Water Resource Management

Indiana's Water Supply and Economic Development- Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Indiana's Water Economy

Indiana's Water Shortage Plan- Indiana DNR
Indiana's Plan

Water Footprint Calculator
Calculator

Planning for and Emergency Drinking Water Supply- EPA
EPA Plan

Floodplain Management in Indiana Quick Guide (IDNR, 2018
Floodplain Management

2020 Current Issue Objectives

1. Identify assisting agencies, tools, and laws that govern Indiana waters as a resource, and develop a working understanding of the programs which manage our water resources.
2. Be familiar with all components of a water budget, how they are monitored, and what part they play in a water budget.
3. Define and understand the process of integrated water management.
4. Understand the basic concepts of hydrology and the water cycle.
5. Knowledge of connection between groundwater and surface water, how they influence each other, and how human activities affect groundwater and surface water
6. Understand how to measure water availability and predict water use.
7. Understand how green infrastructure can manage water resources & the cost benefit process.
8. Define and describe Floodplain Protection, Impact of Floodway Construction Activities, National Flood Insurance Program and Flood Mitigation Programs.
9. Identify Indiana’s current knowledge of our water resources and what key elements will be needed to successfully manage our resources.
​10. Discuss some surface water and groundwater best management practices used to help protect our water quality and quantity.

More Study Tools

2018 State Final 
State

2018 Scorecard
Scorecard

Past Current Issues
Past Issues
​
Your SWCD

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soil.water@hamiltoncounty.in.gov
317.773.2181
1717 Pleasant St. Suite 100
Noblesville, IN 46060
Established in 1968
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