Environmental Awareness Project Report NATIONAL JUNIOR HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION Horticulture - Youth - Careers - Education - Leadership

Project Chairperson: Michael Rethwisch, 14465 W. 14th Ave., Blythe CA 92225 (phone: 760-921-7884). E-mail: mdrethwisch@ucdavis.edu

Purpose: This project is designed to stimulate interest in and provide an opportunity for youth to help improve their environment in an ecologically sensitive manner. Funding for this project has been generously provided by the Composting Council.

Background: Great strides have been made in recent decades in reducing harmful pollutants to the air, water and land. Citizens and municipalities have also made valuable contributions in reducing the materials disposed of in landfills by reducing, reusing and recycling in their gardening efforts. Recycling organic materials in the home and community is only one way we can all make a difference. In this report it is important to be innovative and creative in respect to your local situation, conditions and available resources.

Project Suggestions (such as but not limited to):

1. Feasibility of composting different materials;
2. Comparison, testing or development of new techniques for composting organic materials;
3. Composting with worms;
4. Comparison, testing or development of new techniques for utilizing organic materials in the landscape (mulches, soil amendments, etc);
5. Testing different blends of compost;
6. Develop a public program for utilizing organic materials in your community, increasing environmental awareness or producing measurable changes in the local environment;
7. Survey attitudes and behaviors about composting, marketing, and utilizing compost;
8. Use of landscaping materials (plants, hardscape, cultural practices, etc.) to improve the environment.

 Age of participants: 15-17 and 18-22 years old individuals or groups of two or more.

Project requirements: A written report (turned in through your state leader) and an informal interview at the NJHA convention are necessary. A state may enter only one individual and one group project in each age division. Generally some group members will be unable to attend the convention but may be represented by another member of the group. Consult the report format below for additional information.

Awards: Grand National Award Winner -- One individual in each age division and one group is eligible to receive the H. Clark Gregory memorial plaque. Each individual and group receiving a Grand National Award in this category will also receive a check for $100.00. A Grand National Award winner is not eligible for further competition in the same age group. A Grand National Award Winner in the 15 to 17 year old category may return the following year in the 18 to 22 year old category even though they may not be 18 years old. In the event that a presentation of sufficient quality is not entered, no Grand National Award will be presented.

National Award Winner -- Up to three individuals in each age division and three teams are eligible to receive a plaque. National Award Winners are eligible to return for competition the following year in the same age division of this project area. In the event that a report of sufficient quality is not entered, no National Award will be presented.

Report format:

1. Cover sheet - Name, age, date of birth, permanent and college address, telephone number(s), and name of parents.
2. Report including:

• Project Title and Brief Description; not to exceed 100 words (5 points).
• Purpose and Objective indicating how your project impacted the environment and how you accomplished this; not to exceed 200 words (10 points).
• (Project Creativity and Quality Procedure
  1. Project design, horticultural materials, and techniques used; not to exceed 400 words (20 points).
  2. Summary of estimated project expenses, indicate resource personnel and others who have assisted you; not to exceed 300 words (15 points).
  3. How your environmental project fits into the total needs of those at the residence or other area from a functional and/or aesthetic viewpoint. This should look at the short as well as long term impact; not to exceed 300 words (15 points).
• Project Summary, Cite the extent to which the objectives were achieved, knowledge that you have gained, and the particular significance of the project toward the beautification and improvement of the environment; not to exceed 400 words (20 points).
• Project Photographs and other Supporting Materials, Before and after photographs with captions add visual impact to the statements of accomplishments. This is also where newspaper clippings, comments from your leaders, etc. may be included. No more than 10 pictures (15 points).

Entry deadline: 10:00 p.m. on the opening day of the convention. Entry dates and selection procedures vary from state to state. Consult with your state leader for additional information.

NOTE: For additional information consult the project chairperson or Mrs. Carole S. Carney, Executive Secretary, 15 Railroad Avenue, Homer City, Pa. 15748, 724-479-3254. E-mail: carney7@ptdprolog.net