On October 16, 2026, Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District coordinated the Maine Envirothon’s 2026 Central Fall Field Day at the University of Maine’s Witter Farm, bringing together 74 students from seven schools.
Wildlife station where students learned to identify wildlife species.
Due to rainy weather, the event took a different approach than usual, with students choosing four of five learning stations. Four stations were set up inside a riding arena, where students explored wildlife, aquatics, tree identification, and map and compass skills. The soils station was the only outdoor rotation, with students participating despite the rain.
The Fall Field Day gives students a chance to explore the subjects they’ll encounter in the spring Envirothon competition through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Students can examine soil pits and soil characteristics, practice identifying tree specimens, learn to use a map and compass, and identify aquatic macroinvertebrates and wildlife. These activities help students connect classroom learning with real-world natural resource skills while becoming more familiar with the Envirothon program.
KCSWCD is especially grateful to the University of Maine’s School of Forest Resources for its continued partnership and support of Maine Envirothon. We appreciate the staff who helped make the event possible, as well as the University of Maine for providing the space, catering, and portable restrooms. Three University of Maine students also led activities in wildlife, tree identification, and map and compass skills, sharing their time and knowledge with students.
Presenters from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, and Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District shared their knowledge and helped students build practical skills in soils, wildlife, and aquatics. We also thank the participating schools, advisors, and students for taking part in this year’s event.
We are developing a survey based on advisor feedback to help guide future events. We’ll share a recap of the Southwest Fall Field Day closer to the start of the Maine Envirothon’s spring competition season.