Youth Education: Envirothon

What is Wisconsin Envirothon?

Founded in 1988, the annual Wisconsin Envirothon is a combined effort of educators and natural resource professionals who provide the hands-on, outdoor coaching and testing.

Wisconsin Envirothon is our state’s ultimate middle and high school environmental science challenge. Teams of five high school or five middle school students participate in the hands-on, outdoor field challenges designed by natural resources professionals and educators. This day-long event is an excellent opportunity for students to develop leadership and communication skills that champion a more sustainable and environmentally-aware community.

How does Envirothon work?

Teams take exams based on four categories: Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils & Land Use, and Wildlife.

• Aquatic Ecology - Students work with water resource professionals to learn about aquatic ecosystems, identify aquatic organisms, discuss watershed management, and determine nonpoint source pollution.

• Forestry - Forestry educators and professionals identify practices for the maintenance of healthy forests and teach the basics of species identification, forest structure, and sustainable management approaches.

• Soils and Land Use - Professional soil scientists help students learn about soil structure, interpret maps, evaluate land forms, and discover soil characteristics that affect agriculture and development issues.

• Wildlife - Wildlife experts provide students with hands-on practicum and tracking knowledge regarding animal populations, their dynamics, and the importance of habitat conservation.

Additionally, teams create group presentations based on a pre-selected, topical conservation issue that local conservation professionals are dealing with across the state. Field professionals and educators challenge students to work as a team exploring facets of current environmental topics. The Current Issue Team Presentation helps students articulate today’s critical environmental concerns and develop the skills to communicate the conservation ethic in whatever scholastic, career, or civic choices lie ahead. (Current Issue Team Presentation)

The overall high school winners will advance to the National Conservation Foundation Envirothon to compete for scholarships and prizes.