North Central Conservation District Vernon office: 24 Hyde Avenue Vernon, CT 06066-4503 860-875-3881
Windsor office: 100 Northfield Drive, 4th Floor Windsor, CT 06095-4730 860-285-0867
The winner of this year's Earnest J. Ballasy Memorial Scholarship is Kyle A. Kneeland, a student from Rockville High School. Kyle plans to attend Paul Smith's College of the Adirondacks to study Wildlife Science.
The 2010 Robert W. Tuller Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Matthew C. Roberts of South Windsor High School. Matthew will attend Western New England College this fall with a focus on Natural Resources.
Congratulations to both of our winners and best of luck in your future endeavors!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each year, the North Central Conservation District awards two $1000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have excelled in his or her area of study, and is furthering their education in the field of agriculture or natural resources. For information about next year's scholarships, check this page or call (860) 875-3881.
Robert W Tuller Memorial Scholarship Application (2010 form)
Files with the icon shown above are Adobe Acrobat files. You can download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader here (www.adobe.com).
On Tuesday, March 30, 2010, The North Central Conservation District presented a workshop on Flame-Weeding as a control measure for invasive shrubs. Despite heavy rains and flooding, nearly 40 people attended and listened to Jeff Ward and J.P. Barsky of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station present information on this new and innovative way of removing invasive plants.
Using a propane torch, the roots of invasive plants such as Multiflora Rose, Autumn Olive, and Bush Honeysuckle are burned until the sap boils, slowing and hopefully stopping growth. Demonstrations were done at the Belding Wildlife Management Area, and everyone in attendance was able to try the technique hands-on. The workshop was organized with hopes that more people will begin use this low-effort form of dealing with the state's growing invasive shrub problem.
In conjunction with this year's annual NCCD Spring Seedling Sale, Rob Rocks of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection presented a Planting and Pruning Basics class at the Tolland County Agricultural Center. People who were picking up their new flowers, trees and shrubs from the plant sale were able to learn more about how to plant and take care of them. A slideshow was shown on proper maintenance and how to get the most out of your garden, and an outside demonstration allowed attendees to view a successful and functional garden environment. Hopefully the knowledge gained has led to some beautiful and thriving gardens all around Hartford and Tolland Counties!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The North Central Conservation District is proud to present workshops that help to raise awareness of Natural Resources issues and increase interest in helping to preserve the environment around us. If you have any ideas for a workshop you would like to attend, contact us on the website or call (860) 875-3881.
Congratulations to the 2010 Envirothon winners, Litchfield High School! Best of luck at the National Competition in Fresno, CA!
The Connecticut Envirothon is a natural resource based education program started in 1992 by the state's Soil and Water Conservation Districts. This high school level program promotes environmental awareness, knowledge, and stewardship through education and team competition.
Throughout the year Envirothon teams work with a teacher/advisor on curriculum materials in the study areas of Soils, Aquatics, Wildlife, Forestry and Current Environmental Issues.
Then in May, teams meet for a day-long, fun filled field competition. Teams work together on practical, environmental problem solving and hands-on challenges. In addition, each team prepares a short oral presentation on a real life environmental problem and presents it to a panel of experts.
The winning Envirothon team earns the chance to represent our state at the Canon Envirothon, a weeklong summertime event. The Connecticut team competes for scholarships and other prizes against about 60 other teams from the USA and Canada.
Visit the Connecticut Envirothon website (Exit CRCCD) to learn about how to “Take the Natural Challenge.”