The Envirothon is a natural resource education program sponsored by local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) for high school students. The Envirothon emphasizes hands-on, team oriented problem-solving skills. The team is tested on their knowledge in the areas of Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife and a current environmental issue that changes each year.
How it Works
Five member teams, representing a school or organization, are formed. Long before the competition starts, teams begin by studying resource material to learn the fundamentals of each category. At the competitions, students visit in-the-field test stations where presentations are given by r
esource professionals. They are challenged to work as teams to answer written questions and conduct hands-on problem solving situations focusing on each of the five environmental areas. The program is competitive but learning is the bottom line. " The knowledge these students gain today will assist them in decision making for tomorrow." Competitions
The Illinois Envirothon began in 1995 and has continued to grow throughout the state. Local SWCDs and Land Use Councils (LUCs), in conjunction with partnership organizations and educators, organize local competitions in early to mid-April. The highest scoring team from each of the 16 LUCs (each council is made up of 5-8 SWCDs) advance on to the state competition held in early May.The state winning team will represent Illinois at the Canon Envirothon® in August. The competition is held at a different location in North America each year . Teams making it to the international competition will compete for $30,000 in scholarships and prizes.
