Envirothon

Meetings: Wednesdays from 2:30pm to 3:30pm in Room 1712

What is Environthon?

Envirothon is a problem-solving natural resource competition for high school students in the United States and Canada. In North Carolina the Envirothon is sponsored by water and soil conservation district associations.

How is it Done?

Teams of high school students, five on a team, are tested on their knowledge of natural resources--soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatics, and a current issue which is invasive species this year. Students visit five "in-the-field" test stations where written and hands-on problem solving is required along with formulating a strategy for public awareness. The event is competitive, but education is the bottom line.

Objectives

Participants gain a deeper knowledge of the following:

1. The effect indivual actions have on the environment.
2. The interactions and inter-dependencies of our environment.
3. Current environmental issues
4. The agencies available to assist them in resource protection concerns.
5. The need to become environmentally aware, action-oriented adults.

Contests

Local conservation districts, in conjunction with cooperating agencies and educators, organize and run local Area Environthon competitions (March 19-20). The top seven teams will then compete in a state contest at Cedar Rock Park, Burlington NC (April 23-24), and the winning team will compete in an international contest late July in West Virginia.

History

Environthon was started in 1979 by three Pennsylvania soil and water conservation districts. By 1988, the idea had caught on and the first national contest was held. In 1991 North Carolina joined the now international envirothon competition and in 1994 hosted the international competition at the University of North Carolina Asheville campus. On the 10th anniversary Canon U.S.A. joined the envirothon and their generosity now allows for some scholarships for the first through third placing teams at the international level. Up until the 2001 now titled canon envirothon, North Carolina had never placed better than 6th in the rankings that is until Enloe High School entered the competition. Enloe took 3rd place in 2001 and each member came away with a 1,000 dollar scholarship. This has now raised the bar and our expectations. In 2002 we placed 2nd in the state to our biggest rival Science and Math. In 2003 we came back and won states again and in the Nationals at Maryland we placed 3rd again. Our goal is to win the state competition again and go to West Virginia and win the Canon Envirothon in 2004.

Club Officers

• Lily Dancy Jones, Team Captain
• Elizabeth Goyer, Team Captain
• Scott Possiel, Team Captain
• Mr. Ogren, Club Advisor