Since 1986, schools across Pennsylvania have been competing in the annual Envirothon. This academic competition presents students in grades 9-12 with a variety of challenges related to our natural resources grouped into five categories:
- Soil and Land Use
- Aquatic Ecology
- Forestry
- Wildlife
- Current Issues.
Students work in teams of five to answer questions and use their critical thinking skills to find solutions to reality-based situations, such as how to balance the use and protection of our natural resources. Teams may be asked to identify a tree, examine soils, or describe an animal’s life cycle.
The first level of Envirothon competition is at the county level. In Westmoreland County, this competition is held at a county park in late April each year. Scientists and experts in environmental science and natural resource management guide the students through each of the challenges.
The team that wins the Westmoreland County Envirothon advances to the Pennsylvania Envirothon, where they earn the chance to compete at the North American Envirothon. Winners will receive recognition and scholarships.
To learn how to form a team at your school, contact Jen Novak at 724-837-5271 or jen@wcdpa.com.
Study and classroom preparations for the county Envirothon begin in October of each year.
