Envirothon is a hand-on environmental problem-solving competition for high school students. Teams are tested in five areas. #1 Environmental Issues: Students are tested on a current environmental issue with an in-field test and oral presentation. Students present their solutions , to be judged, to a panel of professionals. #2 Aquatics: Students work along marine and freshwater biologists to assess the quality of delicate aquatic ecosystems. Students learn to identify aquatic organisms, manage watershed and determine non-point source pollution. #3 Soils: Professional soil scientists help students learn about soil structure, interpret maps, evaluate land forms, and understand soil characteristics that affect both agriculture and urban development. #4 Wildlife: Students learn first hand from wildlife experts about animal populations, identification and the importance of habitat conservation. # 5 Forestry: With the help of professional foresters, students learn the basics of tree identification, forest structure and how to maintain healthy forest ecosystems.
A $50,000 Dominion Foundation grant has made Dominion the primary state sponsor for the program. The Dominion Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Dominion Energy (NYSE:D). Envirothon is run by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) and Virginia’s 47 Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Fueled by Dominion’s generous sponsorship, Virginia’s 2019 Dominion Envirothon was bigger and more competitive than ever. Individuals interested in volunteering or learning more about starting an Envirothon team at their high school, 4-H, FFA, Ecology club or home school group, should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or the VASWCD at (804) 559-0324.
How to form a team:
Teams consist of at least 5 members and must be in grades 9-12. FFA, 4-H, home school and scout groups are also eligible. Coaches may be a teacher, coach, or enthusiastic adult willing to help.
Henry County’s Envirothon Team placed 8th overall and Franklin County’s Envirothon Team placed 9th overall at the Dominion Envirothon state competition at Mary Washington University in May 2019.
Win Scholarships & Prizes
Winners compete at local, regional, and state competitions. First place state winners go on to the national level to compete for scholarship money and prizes.
Why Should You Participate?
Learn about important environmental issues*Gain hands-on experience in solving real-world problems*Great for college and job applications*Spend time with teammates and friends*Possibly travel across the country to the North American Envirothon for a chance to win scholarships and prizes!
For More Information
on forming an Envirothon Team within the Franklin, Henry, Roanoke Counties and City of Roanoke areas contact Kathy Smith at (540) 352-3314 * Ksmith@brswcd.org or Bonnie Mahl at Bonnie.mahl@vaswcd.org (804) 559-0324 at the VASWCD office. Click below to download the upcoming 2020 Area V Envirothon Workshop and this year’s Envirothon Oral Presentation Question: