Of all the NYS Envirothon elements, which do you find most challenging and why?
Forestry—so much goes into it, you have to know many tree species.

How does this compare to the county-level competition?
It’s a lot more in-depth, there’s more happening here in terms of the ecosystem than in the city.

What do you like best about competing on a college campus?
I like getting away from the city, and there’s a great view.

What are your plans next year?
I will major in history with a minor in environmental studies at SUNY Albany.

In your view, what is the most important environmental issue faced by our country, and what can your generation do about it?
Urban sprawl and the population explosion. We need to protect what we enjoy so others will be able to enjoy it as well.

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Of all the NYS Envirothon elements, which do you find most challenging and why?
Aquatics and Current Issues. Current Issues is really hard this year.

How does this compare to the county-level competition?
It’s stricter, there’s more regulations, and it’s harder.

What do you like best about competing on a college campus?
It’s given me a glimpse of what life is like at college. I’ve learned how much walking is required.

What are your plans next year?
This is my first year competing, but I plan to compete again next year. I hope to attend Cornell University—I’m planning a visit to the astrophysics lab.

In your view, what is the most important environmental issue faced by our country, and what can your generation do about it?
It’s not global warming. It’s due to climatic change over the centuries, but it’s not man made. I would say it’s water quality, and the pollution of fresh water supplies. We’re doing all we can to solve it, but we may need to use the water in the ice caps.

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Of all the NYS Envirothon elements, which do you find most challenging and why?
Forestry—it’s difficult to know all the species.

How does this compare to the county-level competition?
It’s a lot more challenging, and there’s a lot more to do.

What do you like best about competing on a college campus?
Getting away completely; this place is completely different than the city.

What are your plans next year?
I’ll continue to remain on the team. I plan on going to college after graduation, but I haven’t decided on a major.

In your view, what is the most important environmental issue faced by our country, and what can your generation do about it?
Over population is causing us to use all our resources. We need to try to limit the number of children each family has.

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Of all the NYS Envirothon elements, which do you find most challenging and why?
Aquatics — there are a lot of little bugs I don’t know.

How does this compare to the county-level competition?
It’s harder.

What do you like best about competing on a college campus?
The area. It’s calming.

What are your plans next year?
I’ll continue to stay on the Envirothon team. As far as college goes, I’d like to major in pre-med.

In your view, what is the most important environmental issue faced by our country, and what can your generation do about it?
Global warming—we all need to be smart about it.

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Of all the NYS Envirothon elements, which do you find most challenging and why?
Soil & Land Use

How does this compare to the county-level competition?
It’s a lot more difficult—much broader.

What do you like best about competing on a college campus?
The lake and meeting the people.

What are your plans next year?
I will major in Environmental Science at Paul Smith’s College

In your view, what is the most important environmental issue faced by our country, and what can your generation do about it?
The economic crisis vs. saving the wetlands and endangered species. People are uneducated, so they don’t care; we need to educate people and get them to care about the environment.

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Of all the NYS Envirothon elements, which do you find most challenging and why?
Forestry.

How does this compare to the county-level competition?
It’s at a higher level and the tests are more organized.

What do you like best about competing on a college campus?
The interaction with the other students.

What are your plans next year?
I will major in Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins

In your view, what is the most important environmental issue faced by our country?
Biodiversity. It’s becoming more well-known, but we have more to do.

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Of all the NYS Envirothon elements, which do you find most challenging and why?
Aquatics.

How does this compare to the county-level competition?
It’s more competitive, more advanced.

What do you like best about competing on a college campus?
Experiencing college life; living in a residence hall.

What are your plans next year?
I’ll study psychology at Hudson Valley Community College.

In your view, what is the most important environmental issue faced by our country?
Global warming—a lot of people don’t believe it’s happening.

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Of all the NYS Envirothon elements, which do you find most challenging and why?
Wildlife.

How does this compare to the county-level competition?
It’s on a much bigger scale. The oral presentations were very good.

What do you like best about competing on a college campus?
Staying in the residence halls.

What are your plans next year?
I’m an early admit at Fulton-Montgomery Community College.

In your view, what is the most important environmental issue faced by our country?
Development and urbanization, because we’re using all of our natural resources.

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Of all the NYS Envirothon elements, which do you find most challenging and why?
Wildlife.

How does this compare to the county-level competition?
It’s a lot more fun, there’s more people, more opportunities to socialize, and the food is good.

What do you like best about competing on a college campus?
You don’t have to be in one central location; there’s other stuff to do.

What are your plans next year?
Continue competing in the Envirothon.

In your view, what is the most important environmental issue faced by our country?
Developing alternative energy solutions.

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Of all the NYS Envirothon elements, which do you find most challenging and why?
Soils and Land Use — it’s difficult to study for.

How does this compare to the county-level competition?
It’s a lot more competitive and way more difficult.

What do you like best about competing on a college campus?
Being around the lake, and taking part in the activities. The bon fire last night was fun.

What are your plans next year?
I’ll attend Albany College of Pharmacy.

In your view, what is the most important environmental issue faced by our country?
Biodiversity. If we lose the chance to bring new medical science, we can’t get it back.

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