A group of fifth-graders at Saint Clair Area Elementary/Middle School are gearing up to support wildlife by participating in Schuylkill Conservation District's annual Green Challenge
Sandy Day, Pottsville, is planning to write an essay about the perils of the bald eagle.
"I'd like to find ways to protect them," Day said.
"You can see them at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park," said event organizer Patrick M. "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, who is the conservation district's environmental education coordinator.
Meanwhile, Hannah Leskin, Middleport is, curious about the habitats of bees. Zach Turnitza, Cumbola, is planning to write about brook trout, the state fish.
Using the theme "Helping Wildlife," students in grades kindergarten through 8 in public and nonpublic schools in Schuylkill County are being invited to participate. The deadline for entries is April 1.
"There's still plenty of time for schools to participate," McKinney said.
Schools that are interested can contact him at 570-622-4124, Ext. 113.
The annual event is dependent on financial support from corporate sponsors.
In 2011, a total of $12,000 in prize money was donated, and the competition was extended to high schools in Schuylkill County.
This year, only $8,000 was available, McKinney said. As a result, the conservation district had to limit the competition to elementary and middle schools.
This year's corporate sponsors include Wal-Mart Distribution Center 7030, Wegmans Retail Service Center, Jeld-Wen Inc. and Lowe's Distribution Center, all based at Highridge Business Park, McKinney said.
Alan Hanley, general manager of Wal-Mart Distribution Center 7030, said the challenge is an important event.
"It gives our students the opportunity to learn about sustainability and stewardship of our environment," he said.
This year's competition includes an Earth Day poster contest for grades kindergarten through 4 and an environmental essay contest for grades 5 through 8, McKinney said.
"A total of $4,000 is available for each part of the challenge," McKinney said. "Student winners can vie for $500 in individual prizes which means that schools can then apply for $3,500 in prize money in the accompanying mini-grant program."
The mini-grant program offers the following prize amounts: first place, $2,000; second place, $1,000 and third place, $500.
"Funds from the mini-grant can bolster a school's environmental or science club or be spent to benefit a school environmental project or a school field study to a museum or nature center," McKinney said. "It is important to note that the business sponsors also felt that mini-grant funds could go for materials and supplies for those schools in need in light of present budget concerns." The winners will be announced in late April, McKinney said.