Harrison County Conservation Scholars

Happy Friday!

Today is the start of a new series called “Envirothon Mini Games”. Similar in format to the Envirothon mini moments except this time we ask the questions “Are you smarter than an Envirothon team”

In order to try and Commemorate and improve upon Envirothon Mini Moments we decided to combine it with the Pop Quiz Questions series to create “Envirothon Mini Games”. This series will create questions Envirothon Students may be asked during competitions.

This week’s question is:

What are 4 Ecological Functions Wetlands Provide?
(Not including filtering out pollutants)

Come back Monday for the Answer!
For now, comment below what do you think the answer is?

Volunteer Opportunity!

POP QUIZ!

“Wildlife #15 Relate the energy pyramid to different trophic levels and the total amount of energy available to consumers.”

Use the following listed words to fill in the blanks in the above image.

A. Primary Consumer

B. 0.1% Energy

C. Secondary Consumer

D. 10 % Energy

E. Tertiary Consumer

F. 1 % Energy

Bonus Questions: What is the name of the Rule relating to energy transfer up a trophic pyramid?

Come back tomorrow to see the answers!

Each month we try to post one “Pop Quiz” question and answer based on one of the Envirothon learning objectives. We don’t claim to provide perfect answers, just ones that cover the basics of the question.

(Number and questions are taken from the Envirothon Learning Objectives. Today’s question is based on “Wildlife #15”)

⏰ Friendly Reminder!
Don't let the deadline sneak up on you! If you're planning to participate in one of our Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) programs or contests, now is the time to complete your application and submit all required materials.
If you have any questions about eligibility, requirements, or the application process, please contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) first. They will be happy to assist you.
For additional information and resources, visit www.mswcc.ms.gov.

We are seeking new members for our commissioners board. We can't run without them. Email or message us for details. [email protected]

Happy Monday!

This week, we wanted to give you a list of some of the Events Coming up in August!

Week of August 3rd - Monarch Monitoring Blitz: http://monarchblitz.org

August 8th - Barrier Island Clean - Up, Sign up here: https://www.facebook.com/mscoastalcleanup

August 21st - Master Naturalist Registration Ends: https://msucoastal.com/msmasternat/

Week of August 21st - Great Southeast Pollinator census: msucoastal.com/census

Happy Monday!

A few weeks ago Mississippi Envirothon helped with hosting the National Competition for students at Mississippi State University in Starkville. Students from all over the country and parts of Canada competed on their knowledge of Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife, Soils, and this year's Current Issue “Non Point Source Pollution”. Students were given a variety of questions, from multiple choice questions to identifying bird calls, or getting soil measurements to name a few.

We are excited to share that
The Top 3 winners of the Envirothon National Competition are:

1st: New York
2nd: North Carolina
3rd: North Dakota

Congratulations to all the winners!

I’d like to thank M.S.U., the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and USDA NRCS for making this event possible. Along with volunteers, teachers and sponsors for helping to make this happen.

We’d also like to thank all the teams that came out to compete!
NCF-Envirothon Mississippi Soil & Water Conservation Commission

🎉Spotlight: Seasonal Coastal Technician

🐣Misty Manning

1. What led you to apply for a seasonal technician position with us?
After working as a seasonal Coastal Steward last year, I wanted to expand my knowledge by learning more about the biological side of coastal bird conservation. My time as a steward gave me an even greater appreciation for the importance of protecting nesting birds and educating the public. This position gave me the opportunity to build on my previous experience while gaining more hands-on skills in research, monitoring, and field biology.

2. What has been the most interesting part of your job?
Most of our work focuses on monitoring Least Terns on the mainland, where it’s fascinating to watch so many birds working together to successfully raise their chicks. I also get the opportunity to work on the barrier islands, including Round Island and Cat Island, where we monitor more solitary nesting species like American Oystercatchers, Wilson’s Plovers, and Snowy Plovers. Getting to see the differences in their behaviors and nesting strategies throughout the breeding season has been such a rewarding experience

3. Is there a new skill you have learned that you plan to use at future jobs?
I’ve gained experience locating and monitoring nests, observing bird behavior, collecting field data, and working in a variety of coastal habitats. This experience has helped me become a more observant and skilled field birder while deepening my appreciation for the time, effort, and attention to detail that goes into studying and protecting these species. These are skills I know I’ll carry with me as I continue pursuing opportunities in wildlife biology and bird conservation.

Note: Bird handling is done by trained personnel under proper state and federal permits.