The North Central Area Conservation Speaking and Poster Contests were held Oct. 29 at the Wausau School Forest. Wood County was very well represented by its residents, and the Land Conservation Department is very proud of each and every one of them.

In the 2009 area speaking contest, Jordan Thames of Grove Elementary School in Wisconsin Rapids placed second in the Elementary Division with his speech "Smelt for Lunch." In the Junior Division, Zechariah Kitzhaber of Columbus Catholic Middle School in Marshfield placed second with his speech "The CCC in WI Conservation." In the Senior Division, Rachel Thames from Solid Rock Academy placed second with her speech "Discussing Algae or Comfy Tush Cush."

In the 2009 area poster contest, Matthias Gouin of Columbus Catholic Middle School placed second in the elementary division with the poster entitled, "Dig It! The Secrets of Soil." Miranda Dieringer of Columbus Catholic Middle School, placed first in the junior division with the poster titled, "Life Deeply Rooted." First place posters will advance to the state competition, which was Saturday in Stevens Point.

To view winning posters go to www.co.wood.wi.us/Departments/LandConservation. If you know a student who would be interested in participating next year, call Tracy Arnold at 421-8475 or e-mail tarnold@co.wood.wi.us.

Contributed by Lori Ruess, Wood County Land Conservation Department.