JAY — The Spruce Mountain High School Envirothon Team took first place in the state last month. Now, they are working to raise the $6,000 necessary for the team to travel to Springfield, Mo., to compete at the national level.

The Spruce Mountain team beat neighboring Dirigo High School’s team for a chance to go to the nationals.

Adviser Rob Taylor said part of the team focused on urban forestry as part of their work at the state finals at Thomas College.

Some of the team focused on urban forestry, which included benefits of trees and forests, business plans and easements.

Taylor said the sophomore and freshman group conducted a tree analysis of the high school site, discovering a $169,000 value of the 75 trees at the high and middle school complex.

“They have psychological value, too,” said one student presenters. “People are more likely to spend time and to move to an area (when trees are present),” he said.

To earn the money pay for the July 26-Aug. 2 competition in Springfield, Taylor said fundraisers are planned, including tag days, a bottle drive and writing letters to businesses requesting donations. Also, they are pursuing a grants.

The first tag day is July 3 at the Otis Federal Credit Union.

Envirothon Team member Sam Brenner will not be able to travel to Missouri with his teammates because he is due to report to the Air Force Academy prior to the competition date. In his place will be alternate Abbie Hartford.

Team members include Tyler Ritter, Liesel Krout, Amber Delaney and Denton Bilodeau.