Elsie Lopez is an educator, herbalist, and writer with an extensive background in community involvement, leadership, gardening, and environmental stewardship. In 2021, she worked on and stewarded several acres upon which she spearheaded a biochar and soil remediation project while also serving as a Citizen Scientist with the Florida Springs Institute. Years prior to that, she founded Gold Water Alchemy - an organization and initiative rooted in responsible management and maintenance of ecosystems inclusive of the more-than-human world. Through Gold Water Alchemy she has taught adults and children with a specific focus on bioregional awareness, ecologically sensitivity, and seasonal adaptability. She is also a science educator who has co-created a garden alongside her students, encouraging the next generation through participation in urban agriculture. In 2023, she took Soil Life Organic's Soil Biology 101 course, furthering her understanding of and appreciation for the intricate network involved in maintaining ecosystemic balance. Elsie is currently working on a land project in the Dominican Republic, supporting family farmers with a Cacao-growing operation through cooperative economic development. As a Supervisor of DSWCD Elsie aims to foster greater responsibility and care for our environment within the community. ​

We are excited to invite your high school students to participate in the 2025 Fred B. Miller, Jr. Regional Envirothon Competition, a unique and dynamic learning experience designed to inspire and educate high school students about environmental sciences.
 
This year’s competition will take place at:
Tree Hill Nature Center
7152 Lone Star Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32211
 
Date: February 19th, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Fred B. Miller, Jr. Regional Envirothon is a hands-on, problem-solving academic competition where students in grades 9-12 apply critical thinking to address complex environmental issues. Working in teams of five with two alternates, students engage with professional scientists, foresters, and wildlife experts as they explore key environmental topics, including:
 
Soils & Land Use: Students interpret maps, analyze soil structure, and evaluate landforms and soil characteristics that impact agriculture and development.
 
Aquatic Ecology: Guided by biologists, students assess aquatic ecosystems, manage watershed areas, and identify sources of non-point pollution.
 
Forestry: Foresters teach students about maintaining forest ecosystems, species identification, and forest management practices.
 
Wildlife: Wildlife experts introduce students to habitat conservation and animal population dynamics.
 
Environmental Issues: Teams work on a current environmental issue, examining the complexity of real-world environmental decisions.
 
Participating in the Envirothon helps students to develop critical research, problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation skills—all while instilling a deeper understanding of their environmental impact and a passion for sustainable practices.
 
Format and Preparation
The competition includes hands-on activities, written questions, and an oral presentation. Each team must have an advisor, such as a teacher or group leader, to guide and support their preparation. Comprehensive resources and study guides are available here (flenvirothon.com/study-guides), enabling students to delve into each topic with confidence. Schools may choose to have team members specialize in individual subjects or take a collaborative approach to cover all areas.
 
Deadline to submit the team intent to compete form: January 15th, 2025

Workshops:
Two regional workshop opportunities are available:
WILDLIFE & AQUATICS WORKSHOP #1:
February 1st, 2025
9am – 12pm
Randolph STEM Center
1157 Golfair Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32209
 
FORESTRY & SOILS WORKSHOP #2:
February 8th, 2025
9am – 12pm
10790 Key Haven Blvd Cabin #3
Jacksonville, FL 32218

This event promises to be a memorable, challenging, and educational experience for students, offering them the opportunity to explore environmental careers and contribute to a brighter future. We hope your schools will take part in this valuable competition.

Winning teams of the regional competition will be invited to the state, with advancement to the international level in April, 2025 in Canada – focusing on the theme Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change. 

Thank you for encouraging student engagement in environmental education and helping us inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. The registration form can be found here (https://forms.gle/73XPtkToPCFLY8eA8), and some helpful information, important links, and study guides can be found on the Envirothon Google Drive. 

​Please feel free to reach out to the competition coordinators for any questions:
Joyce Miller, Coordinator  
mjoycemiller@gmail.com (410) 688-2365 
 
Sel Buyuksarac 
sel@rivercityscience.org (904) 859-1133

We are excited to again host the annual Speech and Poster Contest! The winners of the Duval County Speech Contest receive a cash prize, plus one student will get an invitation to compete regionally and statewide for grades 6-12th. The poster contest is an additional way to compete in the competition for grades K-12. 

This year the Speech & Poster Contest will be 100% Virtual.  Students must submit their entry online for judging.

The topic for both competitions is "ONE WATER" relating to watersheds. Speeches are to be no more than 5-7 minutes. Independent research on the topic works to further educate students in conservation and natural resources, while public speaking provides a host of additional benefits. Artistic skills are called on for the poster contest, and all ages are encouraged to participate. Cash prizes are given to top winners.

Entry Deadline  April 17th, 2023 at 11:59 PM.  Turn in to the Google Forms Below.

Poster Contest:
https://forms.gle/xzrebSizwaTTjgJa8 

Speech Contest:
https://forms.gle/8MgmvYSYDCzWGMBMA

 Please download the ENTRY FORMS below.
No electronic signatures

CASH PRIZES:
2023 Speech Contest:
First place - $ 50.00
Second place - $ 30.00
Third place - $ 20.00

2023 Poster contest:
Categories - K-1; 2-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-12
First place - $ 40.00 for each Category 
Second place - $ 20.00 for each  Category 
Third place - $ 10.00 for each Category

Mark your calendars for the inaugural Hug-a-Farmer Spring Market on March 22nd. We've partnered with the Murray Hill Farmers Market to bring you  the newest addition to our Start Farming program.  Visit each farmer to fill out your passport then show appreciation to our First Coast Farmers by making a paper hug at our card making station. Come out to learn more about the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District and about careers in Agriculture. We'll also be announcing our 2023 Start Farming Mentees. ​