The Envirothon, an outdoor learning event for high school students in grades 9-12, or middle school students in grades 6 - 8, is one of the state’s largest environmental education competitions. Teams consisting of 5 students from the same school/organization visit 6 different learning stations covering Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife, and a current environmental topic that changes every year. Students are given a 25-point exam relating to the station’s topics. At the sixth station, the students are required to give a brief (8-9 minute) pre-determined oral presentation to a panel of judges, also based on the current environmental topic for the year.
Natural resource professionals from across the sate are presenters at each of the stations. They use the outdoor setting, as well as their own props to add to the experience. In Minnesota, teams participate in various regional Envirothon’s, which are organized by Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) personnel. The top 3 teams from each of these regional events advance to the Minnesota State Envirothon, where students compete for the chance to represent Minnesota at the Canon Envirothon.
Current Events Topics:
2012 - Low Impact Design
2013 - Grazing Practices
2014 - Cover Crops
2015 - Urban Forestry
2016 - Exotic Species - Hydrilla
2017 - Agricultural Soil and Water Conservation Stewardship
Natural resource professionals from across the sate are presenters at each of the stations. They use the outdoor setting, as well as their own props to add to the experience. In Minnesota, teams participate in various regional Envirothon’s, which are organized by Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) personnel. The top 3 teams from each of these regional events advance to the Minnesota State Envirothon, where students compete for the chance to represent Minnesota at the Canon Envirothon.
Current Events Topics:
2012 - Low Impact Design
2013 - Grazing Practices
2014 - Cover Crops
2015 - Urban Forestry
2016 - Exotic Species - Hydrilla
2017 - Agricultural Soil and Water Conservation Stewardship
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The Envirothon program started in Pennsylvania in 1979, under the name ‘Environmental Olympics.’ Minnesota held its first Envirothon in 1993, with about 100 students from the Twin Cities area. By 1994, several SWCD’s organized regional competitions throughout the state. In 1994, the first year Minnesota participated in the national competition, New Ulm Cathedral High School placed 7th in the nation! By 1996, each region in Minnesota hosted competitions. Currently, about 1,000 total students participate in the Envirothon competition throughout Minnesota. What are the benefits of an Envirothon? The Envirothon is more than a competition. Together with teachers, schools and professionals, we help develop knowledgeable citizens who can make informed decisions that affect the quality of life in our communities. Ultimately, we are creating new leaders who will provide the vision for our future and well-being. |