The Georgia Envirothon, offered in cooperation with the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Envirothon, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 1995 to provide hands-on, science-based training in natural resources and ecology to middle and high school students in a challenging, fun, and competitive outdoor experience.

Managing hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) can involve use of insecticides. When it does, the non-target impacts (negative effects to other organisms) need to be thoroughly considered
and weighed against the environmental cost of inaction or alternative management approaches. Insecticides applied for HWA management are used for conservation purposes, which may seem counterintuitive. However, hemlocks are a key forest species, and so their loss can result in severe ecological consequences. To justify insecticide use against HWA, we have to ask: What are the possible negative consequences of using insecticides in the forest? We must consider these trade-offs in hemlock management. It is important to remember that there will be trade-offs in any kind of resource management discussion, even if it may not initially seem apparent. The negative environmental consequences of hemlock mortality must be weighed against the known consequences of insecticide use to preserve hemlocks.

We bring the brightest minds together to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement through the power of education to create a more sustainable future for all.

The Office of Environmental Markets (OEM) is a new office created within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to catalyze the development of markets for ecosystem services.