Clay High School’s Environmental & Agricultural Technologies students earned SIXTH PLACE TEAM in the State FFA Wildlife Management Career Development Event , and SEVENTH PLACE TEAM in the State FFA Nature Interpretation Career Development Event, both held recently at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus! Over 200 students from seven counties in northwest Ohio participated in this competition.

Students on the Wildlife Management Team were: Austin Cortez, 14th individual; Adam Reynolds, 25th individual, and Tyler Dunbar, Michael Miranda, Brandon Nyers, and Tyler McKibbin. These students were tested on their ability to identify over 150 mammals, game birds, fish, and plants native to Ohio. They were also tested on their knowledge of Ohio Game Laws and hunting safety. They demonstrated their ability to understand pond management principles such as stocking ponds and troubleshooting problems in Ohio ponds. Finally they were given a written test on their wildlife management knowledge, including the life histories of Ohio wild animals and plants.

Students on the Nature Interpretation Team were: Kenzie Myers, 17th individual; Brian Richmaon, 21st individual; and Veronica Johnson. These students were tested on their ability to identify over 150 mammals, non-game birds, reptiles, amphibians, and wild flowers native to Ohio. They were also tested on their knowledge of water quality, controlling problem plants and animals, and attracting wildlife. They demonstrated their ability to understand steam water quality management principles such as identifying macro-invertebrates and understanding water chemistry in Ohio streams. Finally they were given a written test on their knowledge of Ohio’s natural environment, including the life histories of Ohio wild animals and plants.

Instructor, Mr. Charlie Schneider, teaches Wildlife Management as part of his Environmental & Agricultural Technologies Program at Clay High School. Students used the knowledge they learned during class and after-school practices to prepare for the competition.

These competitions encourage interest and promote excellence among students interested in careers related to Wildlife Management, Nature Interpretation, Park Management, Wildlife Law Enforcement, Wildlife Biology, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, and other careers in environmentally related industries.

Clay High School Environmental & Agricultural Technologies students take a break from a hike at Highbanks Metropark in Delaware. Veronica Johnson, Adam Reynolds, Michael Miranda, Tyler McKibbin, Austin Cortez, Tyler Dunbar, Brian Richmond, Brandon Nyers, and Kenzie Myers. The students hiked this park in preparation for their competitions.