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| status =
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| purpose = Environmental competition
| purpose = Environmental competition
| headquarters = [[League City, Texas]]<ref name="leaguecitytexas">{{cite web | url=http://www.envirothon.org/about-us.html | title=Envirothon: About Us | accessdate=31 December 2014}}</ref>
| headquarters = [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="leaguecitytexas">{{cite web | url=http://www.envirothon.org/about-us.html | title=Envirothon: About Us | accessdate=31 December 2014}}</ref>
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'''NCF-Envirothon''' is an annual [[environmental movement|environmentally themed]] [[academic]] competition for high school aged students organized by the NCF-Envirothon a program of the National Conservation Foundation. The competition is held by the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] on a regional, state, and bi-national level. Envirothon combines in-class and hands-on environmental education<ref>{{cite web|title=Canadian Forestry Association New Brunswick|url=http://www.cfanb.ca/the_envirothon_experience|publisher=CFANB|accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref> in a competition setting which involves a problem-solving presentation as well as written field tests. The competition tests students on five core subjects- [[aquatic ecology]], [[forestry]], [[soils|soils and land use]], [[wildlife]]- along with a fifth annually-changing subtopic which focuses on relevant environmental issues. Currently, roughly 500,000 students from forty-five U.S. states and nine Canadian provinces/territories participate in the competition.<ref name = "canon enviro">{{Citation
'''NCF-Envirothon''' is an annual [[environmental movement|environmentally themed]] [[academic]] competition for high school aged students organized by the NCF-Envirothon a program of the National Conservation Foundation. The competition is held by the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] on a regional, state, and bi-national level. In select years, the competition has also included [[China]] and [[Singapore]]. Envirothon combines in-class and hands-on environmental education<ref>{{cite web|title=Canadian Forestry Association New Brunswick|url=http://www.cfanb.ca/the_envirothon_experience|publisher=CFANB|accessdate=20 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915184211/http://www.cfanb.ca/the_envirothon_experience|archive-date=15 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> in a competition setting which involves a problem-solving presentation as well as written field tests. The competition tests students on five core subjects — [[aquatic ecology]], [[forestry]], [[soils|soils and land use]], and [[wildlife]] — along with a fifth annually-changing subtopic which focuses on relevant environmental issues. Currently, roughly 500,000 students from forty-five U.S. states and nine Canadian provinces/territories participate in the competition.<ref name = "canon enviro">{{Citation
| title = NCF-Envirothon Official Webpage
| title = NCF-Envirothon Official Webpage
| year = 2008
| year = 2008
| url = http://envirothon.vologon.com/index.php }}</ref>
| url = http://envirothon.vologon.com/index.php
}}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


States and provinces across the United States and Canada each have their own local competitions from which the winning high school team earns the privilege of representing their state/province at the NCF-Envirothon competition, held each summer in a different U.S. state or Canadian province. In areas with a considerable number of teams, subdivisions such as county, regional, or district competitions are also held. Teams must win these intermediary competitions in order to move on to the state/province levels.
States and provinces across the United States and Canada each have their own local competitions from which the winning high school team earns the privilege of representing their state/province at the NCF-Envirothon competition, held each summer in a different U.S. state or Canadian province. In areas with a considerable number of teams, subdivisions such as county, regional, or district competitions are also held. Teams must win these intermediary competitions in order to move on to the state/province levels.


==Organizers and Sponsors==
==Organizers and Sponsors==
The NCF-Envirothon is a [[501(c) organization|501(c)3]] [[Nonprofit organization]] headquartered in Washington,D.C. Coordinating the delivery of the North American competition, the organization also relies heavily on volunteers across North America to advise individual teams from each participating state and province.<ref name="Envirothon: About Us">{{cite web|title=North American Envirothon: About Us|url=http://www.envirothon.org/about-us.html|publisher=North American Envirothon|accessdate=29 October 2012}}</ref> Governing the program is the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Executive, along with a NCF-Evirothon Operating Committee which is made up of representatives from participating states and provinces.<ref name="History of Envirothon" />
The NCF-Envirothon is a [[501(c) organization|501(c)3]] [[Nonprofit organization]] headquartered in Washington, D.C. The organization also relies heavily on volunteers across North America to advise individual teams from each participating state and province.<ref name="Envirothon: About Us">{{cite web|title=North American Envirothon: About Us|url=http://www.envirothon.org/about-us.html|publisher=North American Envirothon|accessdate=29 October 2012}}</ref> Governing the program is the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Executive, along with a NCF-Envirothon Operating Committee which is made up of representatives from participating states and provinces.<ref name="History of Envirothon" />


Envirothon is sponsored by the [[National Natural Resources Conservation Foundation|National Conservation Foundation]], the [[Conservation district|National Association of Conservation Districts]], the [[United States Forest Service]], and the [[Natural Resources Conservation Service]].<ref name="Envirothon: Sponsors">{{cite web|title=North American Envirothon: Sponsors|url=http://www.envirothon.org/sponsors.html|publisher=North American Envirothon|accessdate=29 October 2012}}</ref>
Envirothon is sponsored by the [[National Natural Resources Conservation Foundation|National Conservation Foundation]], the [[Conservation district|National Association of Conservation Districts]], the [[United States Forest Service]], and the [[Natural Resources Conservation Service]].<ref name="Envirothon: Sponsors">{{cite web|title=North American Envirothon: Sponsors|url=http://www.envirothon.org/sponsors.html|publisher=North American Envirothon|accessdate=29 October 2012}}</ref>
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States and provinces across the United States and Canada each have their own local competitions from which the winning high school team earns the privilege of representing their state/province at the North American Envirothon Competition, held each summer in a different U.S. state or Canadian province. In regions with a considerable number of teams, competitions on subdivision, county, regional, or district levels are also held. Teams must win these intermediary competitions in order to move on to the state/province levels. At the North American Competition, teams that rank first through tenth receive prizes and scholarships of various values.<ref name="canon enviro" />
States and provinces across the United States and Canada each have their own local competitions from which the winning high school team earns the privilege of representing their state/province at the North American Envirothon Competition, held each summer in a different U.S. state or Canadian province. In regions with a considerable number of teams, competitions on subdivision, county, regional, or district levels are also held. Teams must win these intermediary competitions in order to move on to the state/province levels. At the North American Competition, teams that rank first through tenth receive prizes and scholarships of various values.<ref name="canon enviro" />


Competition week at the NCF-Envirothon level includes various workshops, field trips, and seminars led by professionals and educators for both the students and their advisors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canadian Forestry Association|url=http://www.canadianforestry.com/html/education/envirothon_e.html|publisher=CFA|accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref> Most of these outings are linked to the current issue topic and provide information on the area in which the competition is being held.
Competition week at the NCF-Envirothon level includes various workshops, field trips, and seminars led by professionals and educators for both the students and their advisors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canadian Forestry Association|url=http://www.canadianforestry.com/html/education/envirothon_e.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120054038/http://www.canadianforestry.com/html/education/envirothon_e.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 20, 2013|publisher=CFA|accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref> Most of these outings are linked to the current issue topic and provide information on the area in which the competition is being held.


During the competition, each team must complete five written field tests, each dealing with a different topic. These tests consist of various question types, including identifications and hands-on assessments. Each team must also prepare an oral presentation on the current issue topic, which the team presents to a panel of judges. An important element of the competition is the understanding that each topic is interrelated, and understanding human effects on the environment and how human activities connect with ecosystem functions. Each test is scored out of 100 points, with the presentation being scored out of 200 points. The team with the highest cumulative total of points at the end of the scoring is the winning team. Recognition is also given to teams with the highest scoring in each of the five categories.<ref name="canon enviro" />
During the competition, each team must complete five written field tests, each dealing with a different topic. These tests consist of various question types, including identifications and hands-on assessments. Each team must also prepare an oral presentation on the current issue topic, which the team presents to a panel of judges. An important element of the competition is the understanding that each topic is interrelated, and understanding human effects on the environment and how human activities connect with ecosystem functions. Each test is scored out of 100 points, with the presentation being scored out of 200 points. The team with the highest cumulative total of points at the end of the scoring is the winning team. Recognition is also given to teams with the highest scoring in each of the five categories.<ref name="canon enviro" />


===Competition locations===
===Competition locations===
The location of the North American competition is determined based on a regional map that separates North America into five general regions: Far West, Mid-West, Southeast, Northeast, and Far North. The host college or university is usually located in a different region than that of the year preceding it.<ref name="Future Competitions">{{cite web|title=Envirothon: Future Competitions|url=http://www.envirothon.org/the-competition/future-competitions.html|publisher=North American Envirothon|accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref> For example, a recent competition (2013) was held in at [[Montana State University]] in [[Bozeman, Montana]] in the Far West.<ref>{{Citation|title=MSU picked as site for 2014 NCF-Envirothon competition|url=http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/montana_state_university/article_1e391598-11ce-11e2-a7f7-0019bb2963f4.html|publisher=Bozeman Daily Chronicle|accessdate=20 November 2012|date=October 9, 2012}}</ref>
The location of the North American competition is determined based on a regional map that separates North America into five general regions: Far West, Mid-West, Southeast, Northeast, and Far North. The host college or university is usually located in a different region than that of the year preceding it.<ref name="Future Competitions">{{cite web|title=Envirothon: Future Competitions|url=http://www.envirothon.org/the-competition/future-competitions.html|publisher=North American Envirothon|accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref> For example, a competition (2013) was held in at [[Montana State University]] in [[Bozeman, Montana]] in the Far West.<ref>{{Citation|title=MSU picked as site for 2014 NCF-Envirothon competition|url=http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/montana_state_university/article_1e391598-11ce-11e2-a7f7-0019bb2963f4.html|publisher=Bozeman Daily Chronicle|accessdate=20 November 2012|date=October 9, 2012}}</ref>

===2015 Competition===
The 2015 NCF-Envirothon competition will be held July 27-August 7, and hosted at [[Missouri State University]] in [[Springfield, Missouri]]. 45 states and 9 Canadian provinces and Territories will registered for the competition. The current Issue Topic for that year's competition is Urban/Community Forestry. This will be the second time that the state of [[Missouri]] Missouri Envirothon hosts the NCF-Envirothon Competition.<ref name="Present Competition">{{cite web|title=Montana to Host North America’s Largest High School Natural Resource Competition|url=http://www.roundupweb.com/story/2012/09/26/news/montana-to-host-north-americas-largest-high-school-natural-resource-competition/1316.html|publisher=Roundup Web|accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref>


==Competition Topics==
==Competition Topics==
{{More references|section|date=January 2015}}
{{More references|section|date=January 2015}}


Each field test dealing with one of five competition topics requires both theoretical understandings and hand-on skills such as identification and chemical testing. Each topic also has a degree of relatedness to one another, which is sometimes considered in theoretical-based test questions.<ref name="canon enviro" />
Each field test dealing with one of five competition topics requires both theoretical understandings and hand-on skills such as identification and chemical testing. Each topic also has a degree of relatedness to one another, which is sometimes considered in theoretical-based test questions.<ref name="canon enviro" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://envirothon.org/the-competition/curriculum-guidelines/|title=Curriculum Guidelines – NCF-Envirothon|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref>


===Aquatic Ecology===
===Aquatic Ecology===
Source:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aquatic Ecology – NCF-Envirothon |url=https://envirothon.org/the-competition/areas-of-study/aquatic-ecology/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Envirothon Aquatic Ecology Test.jpg|thumb|Aquatic Ecology Testing at the 2011 Envirothon Competition.<ref name="canon enviro" />]]
[[File:Envirothon Aquatic Ecology Test.jpg|thumb|Aquatic Ecology Testing at the 2011 Envirothon Competition.<ref name="canon enviro" />]]
*Learning objectives include [[Abiotic component|abiotic]] and [[Biotic component|Biotic]] factors, [[Aquatic ecosystem|aquatic environments]], and [[Water conservation|water protection and conservation]], among other topics.
*Learning objectives includes the [[hydrosphere]], [[aquatic ecosystem]], [[Aquatic animal|aquatic organisms]], [[Water conservation|water protection and conservation]], and the connection of water to society, and more.
*The field test deals with these learning objectives, with focuses on the functions and significance of [[Drainage basin|watersheds]] and [[wetland]]s; the connections between [[Water quality]] and [[Aquatic animal|aquatic organisms]]; and [[Water use]], regulation, and threats such as [[Invasive species]].
*The field test deals with these learning objectives, with focuses on the functions and significance of [[Drainage basin|watersheds]] and [[wetland]]s; the identification of aquatic organisms and their connections between [[water quality]]; and [[water use]], regulation, and threats such as [[invasive species]].
*Hands-on tasks conducted during the field test include identification of wetland types and species, outlining a watershed on a [[Topographic map]], and performing chemical water quality tests.
*Hands-on tasks conducted during the field test include identification of wetland types and species, outlining a watershed on a [[topographic map]], and performing chemical water quality tests.


===Forestry===
===Forestry===
Source:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Forestry – NCF-Envirothon |url=https://envirothon.org/the-competition/areas-of-study/forestry/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Envirothon Forestry Test 2012.jpg|thumb|Forestry Testing during the 2012 Envirothon Competition.<ref name="canon enviro" />]]
[[File:Envirothon Forestry Test 2012.jpg|thumb|Forestry Testing during the Envirothon Competition.<ref name="canon enviro" />]]
*Learning objectives include [[Dendrology|tree and shrub physiology]], [[forest ecology]], sustainable [[forest management]], and trees as important [[renewable resource]]s, among others.
*Learning objectives include [[Dendrology|tree and shrub physiology]], [[forest ecology]], sustainable [[forest management]], and trees as important [[renewable resource]]s, and more.
*The field test also focuses on forest structure in relation to biotic and abiotic factors; [[silviculture]] techniques and tool use; and the identification and management of invasive species and [[plant pathology|diseases]].
*The field test also focuses on forest structure in relation to biotic and abiotic factors; [[silviculture]] techniques and tool use; and the identification and management of invasive species and [[plant pathology|diseases]].
*The test's hands-on portion includes various tasks such as tree and leaf/needle identification, collecting tree [[core sample]]s using an [[increment borer]] to determine tree age and historical influences, and [[tree planting]] using proper techniques.
*The test's hands-on portion includes various tasks such as identifying trees, using common forestry tools, collecting tree [[core sample]]s using an [[increment borer]] to determine tree age and historical influences, and [[tree planting]] using proper techniques.


===Soils and Land Use===
===Soils and Land Use===
[[File:Envirothon Soils and Land Use Test 2012.jpg|thumb|Students Examine a Soil Profile during the 2012 Envirothon Soils and Land Use Test.<ref name="canon enviro" />]]
[[File:Envirothon Soils and Land Use Test 2012.jpg|thumb|Students Examine a Soil Profile during the Envirothon Soils and Land Use Test.<ref name="canon enviro" />]]
*Learning objectives include physical properties of soil and [[Pedogenesis|soil formation]], soil ecosystems, [[Soil science|chemical properties of soil]], soil conservation and land use management, and [[soil survey]]ing, among others.
*Learning objectives include physical properties of soil and [[Pedogenesis|soil formation]], soil ecosystems, [[Soil science|chemical properties of soil]], soil conservation and land use management, and [[soil survey]]ing, among others.
*Within these objectives lie focuses on identifying and understanding soil profiles and [[Soil horizon|horizons]]; chemical properties and balances of soil; and understanding soil data, surveys, and [[Drainage]] and their relations to soil use.
*Within these objectives lie focuses on identifying and understanding soil profiles and [[Soil horizon|horizons]]; chemical properties and balances of soil; and understanding soil data, surveys, and [[drainage]] and their relations to soil use.
*The field test includes hands-on tasks such as [[soil texture]], type, color, identification, outlining the different horizons in a soil profile, and performing chemical soil property tests.
*The field test includes hands-on tasks such as [[soil texture]], type, color, identification, outlining the different horizons in a soil profile, and performing chemical soil property tests.


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*Learning objectives for the Wildlife field test include knowledge of wild birds and mammals, wildlife ecology, conservation and [[Wildlife management|management]] of wildlife, and issues involving wildlife and society, among other objectives.
*Learning objectives for the Wildlife field test include knowledge of wild birds and mammals, wildlife ecology, conservation and [[Wildlife management|management]] of wildlife, and issues involving wildlife and society, among other objectives.
*Other topic focuses include understanding food habits and skull [[morphology (biology)|morphology]] of wildlife species; habitat features and influences; wildlife adaptations; and predator/prey relationships and [[carrying capacity]] of ecosystems; and how humans, [[introduced species]], and diseases affect wildlife.
*Other topic focuses include understanding food habits and skull [[morphology (biology)|morphology]] of wildlife species; habitat features and influences; wildlife adaptations; and predator/prey relationships and [[carrying capacity]] of ecosystems; and how humans, [[introduced species]], and diseases affect wildlife.
*Hands-on tasks conducted during this test include using an [[Single-access key|identification key]] to identify wildlife pelts, skulls, footprints, and calls/sounds; and using [[Global Positioning System]] to track tagged specimens.<ref name="Curriculum Guidelines">{{cite web|first=Envirothon|title=North American Envirothon Curriculum Guidelines|url=http://www.envirothon.org/the-competition/curriculum-guidelines.html|publisher=North America Envirothon|accessdate=8 November 2012}}</ref>
*Hands-on tasks conducted during this test include using an [[Single-access key|identification key]] to identify wildlife pelts, skulls, footprints, and calls/sounds; and using [[Global Positioning System]] to track tagged specimens.<ref name="Curriculum Guidelines">{{cite web|first=|title=North American Envirothon Curriculum Guidelines|url=http://www.envirothon.org/the-competition/curriculum-guidelines.html|publisher=North America Envirothon|accessdate=8 November 2012}}</ref>


===Current Issue===
===Current Issue===
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==History==
==History==
In 1979 the Pennsylvania Soil and Water Conservation Districts set up the Environmental Olympics, later renamed Enviro-Olympics, to encourage interest in environmental issues through hands-on competition.<ref name="History of Envirothon">{{cite web|title=History Of Envirothon|url=http://www.envirothon.org/pdf/history.pdf|publisher=North American Envirothon|accessdate=8 November 2012|author=April Smith|date=2 November 2010|year=200}}</ref> Expanding rapidly to include forty conservation districts by 1987, it gained attention from other states, and in 1988, the program became the National Envirothon, with participation from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Ohio. In 1992 Nova Scotia became the first Canadian province to join the competition. The competition was sponsored by various state, local, and provincial conservation programs and associations until 1997 when [[Canon (company)|Canon Inc.]] began its support of the program, with local sponsors still supporting lower level competitions.<ref name="canon enviro" /> In 1999 Canon became the title sponsor of the competition between the U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with the competition being renamed the "Canon Envirothon." It is currently referred to as the "NCF-Envirothon."<ref name="canon enviro" />
In 1979 the Pennsylvania Soil and Water Conservation Districts set up the Environmental Olympics, later renamed Enviro-Olympics, to encourage interest in environmental issues through hands-on competition.<ref name="History of Envirothon">{{cite web|title=History Of Envirothon|url=http://www.envirothon.org/pdf/history.pdf|publisher=North American Envirothon|accessdate=8 November 2012|author=April Smith|date=2 November 2010|year=}}</ref> Expanding rapidly to include forty conservation districts by 1987, it gained attention from other states, and in 1988, the program became the National Envirothon, with participation from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Ohio. In 1992 Nova Scotia became the first Canadian province to join the competition. The competition was sponsored by various state, local, and provincial conservation programs and associations until 1997 when [[Canon (company)|Canon Inc.]] began its support of the program, with local sponsors still supporting lower level competitions.<ref name="canon enviro" /> In 1999 Canon became the title sponsor of the competition between the U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with the competition being renamed the "Canon Envirothon." It is currently referred to as the "NCF-Envirothon."<ref name="canon enviro" />


===Results===
===Results===
Hosts and top-five competition place winners from the past thirteen North American Envirothon competitions:
Hosts and top-five competition place winners from past North American Envirothon competitions:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! Year !! Host !! 1st Place !! 2nd Place !! 3rd Place !! 4th Place !! 5th Place
! Year !! Host !! 1st Place !! 2nd Place !! 3rd Place !! 4th Place !! 5th Place
|-
|2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 NCF-Envirothon New Brunswick – NCF-Envirothon |url=https://envirothon.org/2023-nb/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Mount Allison University]]
|Massachusetts
|Pennsylvania
|Ontario
|Florida
|New Mexico
|-
|2022<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 NCF-Envirothon Ohio Competition – NCF-Envirothon |url=https://envirothon.org/the-competition/past-competitions/2022-ohio/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Miami University|Miami University, Oxford, Ohio]]
|Massachusetts
|Maryland
|Florida
|New York
|North Carolina
|-
|2021<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 NCF-Envirothon Nebraska – NCF-Envirothon |url=https://envirothon.org/media/2021-ncf-envirothon-nebraska/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|Nebraska Association of Resources Districts
|New York
|North Carolina
|South Carolina
|Massachusetts
|Florida
|-
|2019<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 NCF-Envirothon North Carolina – NCF-Envirothon |url=https://envirothon.org/media/2019-ncf-envirothon-north-carolina/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[North Carolina State University]], [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]], [[North Carolina]]
|Virginia
|North Carolina
|Pennsylvania
|New York
|Mississippi
|-
|2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nacdnet.org/newsroom/new-york-high-school-named-2018-ncf-envirothon-champions/|title=New York High School Named 2018 NCF-Envirothon Champions|website=NACD|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-25}}</ref>
|[[Idaho State University]], [[Pocatello, Idaho|Pocatello]], [[Idaho]]
|New York
|Montana
|Virginia
|New Mexico
|South Carolina
|-2018 || [[Idaho State University]], [[Pocatello,Idaho]] || ? || ? || ? || ?
| 2017 || [[Mount_St._Mary's_University|Mount Saint Mary's University]], [[Emmitsburg, Maryland]] || Pennsylvania || New York || New Mexico || Missouri || Ohio
|-
| 2016 || [[Trent University]], [[Peterborough, Ontario]] || Ontario || Pennsylvania || California || Missouri || Maryland
|-
| 2015 || [[Missouri State University]], [[Springfield, Missouri]] || Missouri || Pennsylvania || Texas || Massachusetts || New York
|-
|-
| 2013 || [[Montana State University]], [[Bozeman, Montana]] || New York || Massachusetts || Missouri || New Hampshire || Mississippi
| 2013 || [[Montana State University]], [[Bozeman, Montana]] || New York || Massachusetts || Missouri || New Hampshire || Mississippi

Latest revision as of 16:45, 22 September 2024

North American Envirothon
PurposeEnvironmental competition
HeadquartersWashington, D.C.[1]
Websiteenvirothon.org
Formerly called
Environmental Olympics, Enviro-Olympics

NCF-Envirothon is an annual environmentally themed academic competition for high school aged students organized by the NCF-Envirothon a program of the National Conservation Foundation. The competition is held by the United States and Canada on a regional, state, and bi-national level. In select years, the competition has also included China and Singapore. Envirothon combines in-class and hands-on environmental education[2] in a competition setting which involves a problem-solving presentation as well as written field tests. The competition tests students on five core subjects — aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, and wildlife — along with a fifth annually-changing subtopic which focuses on relevant environmental issues. Currently, roughly 500,000 students from forty-five U.S. states and nine Canadian provinces/territories participate in the competition.[3]

States and provinces across the United States and Canada each have their own local competitions from which the winning high school team earns the privilege of representing their state/province at the NCF-Envirothon competition, held each summer in a different U.S. state or Canadian province. In areas with a considerable number of teams, subdivisions such as county, regional, or district competitions are also held. Teams must win these intermediary competitions in order to move on to the state/province levels.

Organizers and Sponsors

[edit]

The NCF-Envirothon is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The organization also relies heavily on volunteers across North America to advise individual teams from each participating state and province.[4] Governing the program is the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Executive, along with a NCF-Envirothon Operating Committee which is made up of representatives from participating states and provinces.[5]

Envirothon is sponsored by the National Conservation Foundation, the National Association of Conservation Districts, the United States Forest Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.[6] Individual teams are often sponsored by school clubs or classes, local businesses and governments, or 4H and other such non-scholastic organizations.[3]

Competition

[edit]

Competition participants are generally teams of five students with one to two team advisers. Home-schoolers can also take part as their own team.

Training Session During the 2012 Envirothon Competition.[3]

States and provinces across the United States and Canada each have their own local competitions from which the winning high school team earns the privilege of representing their state/province at the North American Envirothon Competition, held each summer in a different U.S. state or Canadian province. In regions with a considerable number of teams, competitions on subdivision, county, regional, or district levels are also held. Teams must win these intermediary competitions in order to move on to the state/province levels. At the North American Competition, teams that rank first through tenth receive prizes and scholarships of various values.[3]

Competition week at the NCF-Envirothon level includes various workshops, field trips, and seminars led by professionals and educators for both the students and their advisors.[7] Most of these outings are linked to the current issue topic and provide information on the area in which the competition is being held.

During the competition, each team must complete five written field tests, each dealing with a different topic. These tests consist of various question types, including identifications and hands-on assessments. Each team must also prepare an oral presentation on the current issue topic, which the team presents to a panel of judges. An important element of the competition is the understanding that each topic is interrelated, and understanding human effects on the environment and how human activities connect with ecosystem functions. Each test is scored out of 100 points, with the presentation being scored out of 200 points. The team with the highest cumulative total of points at the end of the scoring is the winning team. Recognition is also given to teams with the highest scoring in each of the five categories.[3]

Competition locations

[edit]

The location of the North American competition is determined based on a regional map that separates North America into five general regions: Far West, Mid-West, Southeast, Northeast, and Far North. The host college or university is usually located in a different region than that of the year preceding it.[8] For example, a competition (2013) was held in at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana in the Far West.[9]

Competition Topics

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Each field test dealing with one of five competition topics requires both theoretical understandings and hand-on skills such as identification and chemical testing. Each topic also has a degree of relatedness to one another, which is sometimes considered in theoretical-based test questions.[3][10]

Aquatic Ecology

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Source:[11]

Aquatic Ecology Testing at the 2011 Envirothon Competition.[3]

Forestry

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Source:[12]

Forestry Testing during the Envirothon Competition.[3]

Soils and Land Use

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Students Examine a Soil Profile during the Envirothon Soils and Land Use Test.[3]
  • Learning objectives include physical properties of soil and soil formation, soil ecosystems, chemical properties of soil, soil conservation and land use management, and soil surveying, among others.
  • Within these objectives lie focuses on identifying and understanding soil profiles and horizons; chemical properties and balances of soil; and understanding soil data, surveys, and drainage and their relations to soil use.
  • The field test includes hands-on tasks such as soil texture, type, color, identification, outlining the different horizons in a soil profile, and performing chemical soil property tests.

Wildlife

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  • Learning objectives for the Wildlife field test include knowledge of wild birds and mammals, wildlife ecology, conservation and management of wildlife, and issues involving wildlife and society, among other objectives.
  • Other topic focuses include understanding food habits and skull morphology of wildlife species; habitat features and influences; wildlife adaptations; and predator/prey relationships and carrying capacity of ecosystems; and how humans, introduced species, and diseases affect wildlife.
  • Hands-on tasks conducted during this test include using an identification key to identify wildlife pelts, skulls, footprints, and calls/sounds; and using Global Positioning System to track tagged specimens.[13]

Current Issue

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  • The fifth topic changes annually, and deals with issues affecting present-day society and environment.
  • The Current Issue field test focuses on theoretical understandings of the issue in relation to the other four competition topics, as well as some hands-on activities.[14] Current Issue Topics have included, Urban Forestry (2015), Sustainable Agriculture and Locally Grown (2014), Sustainable Rangeland Management (2013), Nonpoint source pollution/Low Impact Development (2012), Salt and Freshwater Estuaries (2011), Protection of Groundwater Through Urban, Agricultural, and Environmental planning (2010) and Biodiversity in a Changing World (2009), among others in earlier years.[15]

History

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In 1979 the Pennsylvania Soil and Water Conservation Districts set up the Environmental Olympics, later renamed Enviro-Olympics, to encourage interest in environmental issues through hands-on competition.[5] Expanding rapidly to include forty conservation districts by 1987, it gained attention from other states, and in 1988, the program became the National Envirothon, with participation from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Ohio. In 1992 Nova Scotia became the first Canadian province to join the competition. The competition was sponsored by various state, local, and provincial conservation programs and associations until 1997 when Canon Inc. began its support of the program, with local sponsors still supporting lower level competitions.[3] In 1999 Canon became the title sponsor of the competition between the U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with the competition being renamed the "Canon Envirothon." It is currently referred to as the "NCF-Envirothon."[3]

Results

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Hosts and top-five competition place winners from past North American Envirothon competitions:

Year Host 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place 5th Place
2023[16] Mount Allison University Massachusetts Pennsylvania Ontario Florida New Mexico
2022[17] Miami University, Oxford, Ohio Massachusetts Maryland Florida New York North Carolina
2021[18] Nebraska Association of Resources Districts New York North Carolina South Carolina Massachusetts Florida
2019[19] North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina Virginia North Carolina Pennsylvania New York Mississippi
2018[20] Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho New York Montana Virginia New Mexico South Carolina
2017 Mount Saint Mary's University, Emmitsburg, Maryland Pennsylvania New York New Mexico Missouri Ohio
2016 Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario Ontario Pennsylvania California Missouri Maryland
2015 Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri Missouri Pennsylvania Texas Massachusetts New York
2013 Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana New York Massachusetts Missouri New Hampshire Mississippi
2012 Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania Missouri Ontario North Carolina Ohio New York
2011 Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick Manitoba Ontario South Carolina New Brunswick Connecticut
2010 California State University, Fresno, California California Delaware Minnesota Florida Maryland
2009 University of North Carolina, Asheville, North Carolina Pennsylvania North Carolina Maryland Delaware Missouri
2008 Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona Delaware Missouri Pennsylvania New York Ohio
2007 Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York Connecticut Pennsylvania Delaware Missouri New Jersey
2006 University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Virginia Pennsylvania Texas California Ohio
2005 Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri Pennsylvania Virginia Delaware Kentucky North Carolina
2004 West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, West Virginia Florida Virginia New Jersey Kentucky North Carolina
2003 Mount St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg, Maryland Pennsylvania New Hampshire North Carolina Manitoba Maryland
2002 Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts New Hampshire North Carolina Pennsylvania Vermont Ohio
2001 Hinds Community College, Raymond, Mississippi Pennsylvania Mississippi North Carolina New Jersey New Hampshire

[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Envirothon: About Us". Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  2. ^ "Canadian Forestry Association New Brunswick". CFANB. Archived from the original on 15 September 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k NCF-Envirothon Official Webpage, 2008[permanent dead link‍]
  4. ^ "North American Envirothon: About Us". North American Envirothon. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  5. ^ a b c April Smith (2 November 2010). "History Of Envirothon" (PDF). North American Envirothon. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  6. ^ "North American Envirothon: Sponsors". North American Envirothon. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  7. ^ "Canadian Forestry Association". CFA. Archived from the original on January 20, 2013. Retrieved 20 November 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. ^ "Envirothon: Future Competitions". North American Envirothon. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  9. ^ MSU picked as site for 2014 NCF-Envirothon competition, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, October 9, 2012, retrieved 20 November 2012
  10. ^ "Curriculum Guidelines – NCF-Envirothon". Retrieved 2020-01-04.
  11. ^ "Aquatic Ecology – NCF-Envirothon". Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  12. ^ "Forestry – NCF-Envirothon". Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  13. ^ "North American Envirothon Curriculum Guidelines". North America Envirothon. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  14. ^ "Envirothon: Current Competition". North American Envirothon. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  15. ^ "Envirothon: Past Competitions". North American Envirothon. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  16. ^ "2023 NCF-Envirothon New Brunswick – NCF-Envirothon". Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  17. ^ "2022 NCF-Envirothon Ohio Competition – NCF-Envirothon". Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  18. ^ "2021 NCF-Envirothon Nebraska – NCF-Envirothon". Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  19. ^ "2019 NCF-Envirothon North Carolina – NCF-Envirothon". Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  20. ^ "New York High School Named 2018 NCF-Envirothon Champions". NACD. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
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