By Stacy Young Contributor
The Branford Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter competed in the Environmental Science Career Development Event at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center in Haines City, Fla., on Thursday, Jan. 21. The event was the first state face-to-face competition since March of 2020.
According to the Florida FFA website, "the purpose of the Environmental and Natural Resource Career Development Event is to stimulate student interest and to promote environmental and natural resource instruction in the agricultural education curriculum and to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies as a result of environmental and natural resource instruction."
Those competing were Jenny King, Delaney Fennell, Natalie Veal, Hannah Terry and Zamarai Granado. Team members were required to: take a written test; perform a team presentation on effects of natural disasters in Florida; identify common plants, wildlife, reptiles/amphibians, fish and more; analyze water quality; complete a soil nutrient test and determine locations through the use of handheld GPS. The girls placed seventh overall at the state contest.