Business Details
47 Years
experience
Pennsylvania Envirothon: Environmental Education Program
Pennsylvania Envirothon has been dedicated to environmental education since 1979, originally established as the Envirolympics by local conservation districts. Over four decades, we have evolved into a premier statewide competition that empowers high school students to explore natural resource management and environmental science. Our program uniquely combines classroom instruction with hands-on outdoor experiences, guided by professionals in fields such as aquatic biology, forestry, and soil science. We foster critical thinking through competitive challenges focused on five core areas: Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issues. With over 15,000 student participants annually across all 67 Pennsylvania counties, we prepare future leaders through teamwork-based problem solving.Our alumni have achieved national recognition, including multiple top-ten finishes at the NCF Envirothon competition. Supported by partners like American Water and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, we maintain rigorous educational standards while offering scholarship opportunities. Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status ensures all donations directly support conservation education. Through hybrid competitions and year-round training resources, we continue adapting to meet modern educational needs while maintaining our founding mission of environmental stewardship.
Services
Aquatic Ecology
Forestry
Soils and Land Use
Wildlife
Current Issues
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 45+ years of experience in environmental education programming
- Statewide network of professional environmental mentors
- Hands-on learning combining classroom instruction with fieldwork
- Proven track record of national competition success
- 100% of donations directly support student education programs
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Organization
Services
Aquatic Ecology
Students work with aquatic biologists to assess ecosystem health through organism identification, watershed management, and pollution analysis. This program develops skills in water quality testing and environmental impact assessment while teaching about aquatic habitat conservation. Participants gain practical experience in field data collection and laboratory analysis techniques.
Forestry
Professional foresters guide students in tree identification, forest structure analysis, and sustainable management practices. The program covers timber assessment, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation strategies. Participants learn to evaluate forest health and develop management plans balancing ecological and economic considerations.
Soils and Land Use
Soil scientists teach students about soil composition, landform analysis, and agricultural development impacts. The program includes field testing for soil properties and interpretation of soil survey maps. Participants learn to evaluate land suitability for various uses while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Wildlife
Wildlife experts instruct students on animal population dynamics, habitat requirements, and conservation practices. The program covers species identification, ecosystem relationships, and management techniques. Participants learn to balance human needs with wildlife habitat preservation through practical field exercises.
Current Issues
Students address annual environmental hot topics through research and team problem-solving. The program develops skills in policy analysis, scientific research, and solution development. Participants present comprehensive solutions to panels of environmental professionals, gaining experience in environmental decision-making processes.
Questions
What is the Pennsylvania Envirothon?
Pennsylvania Envirothon is an environmental education competition for high school students focusing on natural resource management through hands-on learning experiences.
How can students participate?
Students form teams through their schools or county conservation districts and compete at local events to qualify for the state competition.
When is the state competition held?
The annual state competition takes place in May at Camp Mount Luther, with specific dates announced yearly for event planning.
What subjects are covered?
Five core areas: Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issues form the competition's foundation.
Is financial support available?
Donations and corporate sponsorships help support the program, with 100% of contributions directly funding student education and competition resources.
How is the program funded?
The program operates through a combination of donations, corporate sponsorships, and the Pennsylvania EITC tax credit program for business contributions.
