Envirothon is North America’s largest highschool education program.
Over 500,000 students from more than 45 states and provinces participate each year!

These students go on to become active citizens in their communities,
using tools gained from the Envirothon experience.

Envirothon provides the unique opportunity for students with
common goals to connect across the continent.
And Envirothon BC wants YOU involved!

Now let’s see what Envirothon BC is all about !

Envirothon BC begins by introducing the 5 topic areas covered by the program. With this approach, students gain an understanding of the different components of ecosystems and are able to consider all the components when discussing problems, analyzing information, and proposing solutions for a given area. The 5 topic areas are:

	Aquatic Ecology We begin with water, identifying the important molecules, properties, and what affects them. Learn about pH, alkalinity, and the implications of varying levels of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Learn about our important aquatic ecosystems, such as watersheds, wetlands, and riparian environments.
	Forest Ecology Become familiar with plant species local to your area. Gain an understanding of the different forestry techniques, and the costs and benefits of each. Weigh the demands of an industry against the demands of our planet. Examine the impacts of deforestation and the initiatives to curb those impacts.
	Soils "What is it made of?" and "How does it form?" are just two of the questions you will have answered. Discover the different horizons that make up soil. Consider the activities that lead to the degradation of soil and the worldwide implications of soil degradation.
	Wildlife Discuss the 4 basic requirements of all wildlife, as well as the factors that contribute to a healthy ecosystem. Investigate the threats facing wildlife, such as urban development and deforestation. Be introduced to the various approaches government, non-profit, and community organizations are taking to preserve our species at risk.
	Annual Topic Each year Envirothon chooses a current environmental issue as its feature topic. 2010 Topic: Protection of Groundwater Through Urban, Agricultural and Environmental Planning.

Now it is time to get out in the field!

Envirothon BC offers a training day Saturday April 10th 2010 that introduces the aspects of the fieldwork relevant to the Provincial competition.  Here is a sample of the activities:

• Take water samples and conduct titrations to determine the concentrations of different molecules
• Create a forest plot and conduct a survey of the different species, sizes, and the presence of invasive species.
• Dig a soil pit and identify the components using the colors and the textures of the different horizons.
• Perform a wildlife survey of the area. Identify factors that may have a negative impact on some species, while favouring others. Discover the species at risk in the area and develop a realistic management plan with the aim of protecting those species.

The training days are held in a local park, providing Envirothon participants with numerous benefits. A park provides an easily accessible setting for outdoor learning. The local setting allows students to consider issues relevant to their communities and aids in the realization that their actions are directly connected with these areas and beyond.

From Awareness to Action

Now that the knowledge and skills are available for tackling environmental issues,
it is time to take action!
Envirothon BC encourages each participating team to take on a community environmental stewardship project. This could range from initiatives at school to stream side clean-ups. It’s really up to you!
For an example of past projects, see Make a Ripple by Templeton Secondary.

Put your skills to the test

The teams that complete the training weekends are eligible to compete in Envirothon BC’s annual Provincial Competition. Two days of investigative field work, team problem solving and presentations. For more information, please see our Competitions page.

Ready for Envirothon? Please visit the Join Now page to learn how.