Learn by Doing – Engage with the Environment through hands-on experiences. Teams compete with their knowledge of natural resources – soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife, and a special topic that changes each year – for a chance to win prizes and recognition.
Build a Team – Work in teams of five to combine strengths, gain skills, and solve environmental issues together.
Career Exploration – Connect with natural resource professionals and discover career pathways and opportunities.
Aligned to Virginia Standards – Envirothon Learning Objectives are SOL aligned and students are eligible for the VA Diploma Seal for Excellence in Science and the Environment.
For more information on Envirothon SOL alignment, see the dedicated tab in the Envirothon Guide
For more information on the Diploma Seal, visit the VA Department of Education Website
Team Makeup – An Envirothon team is five high school students and one adult coach/chaperone working together to prepare for competition. If you have more than five students, they can participate as alternates and step in if a team member is unable to compete. Teams can form through schools, clubs, homeschool groups, 4-H, Scouts, nature centers, and other community organizations.
Competition – Throughout the school year, students study Virginia’s natural resources, build hands-on skills, and prepare to compete at the local, area, and state levels. At the competitions, teams tackle in-the-field written and skills testing, hands-on problem solving, and an oral presentation focused on a real-world environmental challenge.
Ready to Start? – Connect with your local Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) for more info. Teams should contact their local SWCD by winter to be included in local and/or regional competitions held in the spring. Don’t know your local SWCD? Email byron.minson@vaswcd.org for help.
Find your Competition – Check out the Current Competition page for upcoming training opportunities and competition information in your area. The top three teams from each of Virginia’s six areas advance to the State Competition, held in mid-to-late May each year.
Stay in the Know – Sign up for the Virginia Envirothon Newsletter for program updates, important dates, training opportunities, and other Envirothon news.
Supported by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund
Virginia’s Envirothon program is supported in part by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund. Proceeds from the sale of the Bay license plates help citizens keep the bay healthy by restoring wetlands, planting buffers around waterways, promoting marine life restoration, decreasing pollution and providing educational programs like Envirothon. To purchase a Bay license plate visit: http://www.dmv.state.va.us/vehicles/#splates/info.asp?idnm=CB