Latest news with #Envirothon
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Goffstown plants seeds of victory, takes first at NH Envirothon
Goffstown High School placed first at the New Hampshire Envirothon in late May, claiming the title for the third time in the environmental science competition's 33-year history and securing a chance to compete in the championship against teams from around the world. Goffstown's two teams placed first and third overall, also winning in the Current Environmental Issues and Wildlife categories. 'The kids that won are all really, really strong students, and I think the most exciting thing for me was that they won the presentation, which is, I think, the biggest deal,' said Dr. Larry Houghton, whose Environmental Science class spawned both teams. 'These kids really did it on their own.' The five students to make up Goffstown's winning team are seniors Kathryn Sindoni, Makenzie Oliver, Rory Daniels and Laney Garretson, as well as junior Maddy Rossi. The Envirothon, held annually at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness, gathers teams from across the state to compete in a series of categories related to environmental conservation and preservation. Houghton has been sending teams to the competition for the past 17 years. He said the class spent this year learning about topics that applied to the Envirothon's categories, which ultimately prepared them for their research projects. The winning team of five students focused on the Sherburne Forest in New Boston, where they studied the surroundings and wrote a report on how the area can be managed more sustainably. The students recommended improved forest management such as walking trail maintenance, new protocols for the forest's sandpit, and removing diseased trees as part of their final submission. Houghton said he was impressed by the students' efforts and understanding of the material, which helped them win the presentation award. This year marked the 33rd annual Envirothon, which has been running with oversight from the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts. While Goffstown has won the contest in New Hampshire three times since Houghton started coaching, the school has yet to send students to the championships. But thanks to the work of the competitors, who presented their travel request in front of the school board, the team will show off their skills at the next level. The winning team will travel to the championships at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, from July 20-26, representing New Hampshire against more than 500 competitors hailing from the U.S., Canada, China and Singapore. According to Margie Clark-Kevan, the New Hampshire Envirothon's program coordinator, the state Envirothon organization will cover the team's entry fees and housing, with transportation costs covered through donations and funding designated for the trip. The championship event's topic, titled 'Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change,' is the same as it was at the state competition. But this time around, the team will adapt their project and continue researching to expand their original presentation. Houghton said he is excited to see his students compete in July and to demonstrate the importance of environmental education. Looking ahead, he said he hopes more students and schools will gain interest in the Envirothon and similar educational opportunities. 'I wish that we could just keep trying to get more and more schools involved in the Envirothon. I think it's such a great opportunity, and obviously the environment is something that I care deeply about, so the more students we can get involved, the better,' Houghton said. egoncalves@
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
2025 Ontario Envirothon champions crowned
Forests Canada is proud to be the lead agency of Ontario Envirothon – a unique, environmentally-themed academic competition that immerses students in hands-on learning and discovery while building STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills. BARRIE, ON, June 4, 2025 /CNW/ - After a busy spring that saw 460 students representing 92 five-member teams from across Ontario take part in regional Envirothon workshops and competitions, a team from University of Toronto Schools was crowned as 2025 Ontario Envirothon Champions on May 28. The provincial Envirothon was held at the University of Waterloo from May 25 to 28 and featured 85 students from 17 teams competing to represent Ontario at the National Conservation Foundation (NCF)-Envirothon in Calgary, Alberta from July 20 to 26. "Envirothon season is an incredibly exciting time of year, not just for me and the education team here at Forests Canada, but also for the hundreds of students who are gaining a deeper appreciation for nature and honing their STEM skills," Jess Kaknevicius, CEO, Forests Canada, says. "I attended the provincial championships this year and was really impressed by the knowledge and exuberance of the students but also the selflessness and dedication of all the volunteers, teachers and sponsors who make Ontario Envirothon possible." Throughout the season, students have showcased their knowledge of Ontario Envirothon's four core topics – forestry, soils, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems – along with this year's current topic of "Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship". From the 17 teams that advanced to the provincial competition, the three top-ranking teams were: First Place: University of Toronto Schools Second Place: Waterloo Collegiate Institute Third Place: Markville Secondary School "We are a proud sponsor of Ontario Envirothon since 2016 and love to see all these incredible young people work together to broaden their horizons and learn so much about the natural world," Deb Pella Keen, Executive Director, Maple Leaves Forever, says. "When I see young people learning about forest stewardship, it gives me hope for a healthy, resilient future. On behalf of Maples Leaves Forever, I'd like to congratulate all the students who took part in Envirothon events this spring and wish the University of Toronto Schools team good luck in Calgary this summer!" "Enbridge Gas enjoys giving back to the communities where we live and work. We are pleased to support Ontario Envirothon and help students in this program gain knowledge and skills they will use for the rest of their lives," says Keith Boulton, Director of Utility Public Affairs and Communications, Enbridge Gas. "Our sponsorship of Ontario Envirothon complements our employee-led initiative, Enbridge LEAF (Local Environmental Action Fellowship), which supports strategic, large-scale tree planting with Forests Canada. Together, we are reducing our carbon footprint and promoting biodiversity." Ontario Envirothon has reached more than 10,000 Envirothon alumni since it was established in 1994. The program's growth and success in 2025 would not have been possible without the help of dedicated volunteers and the generous support of Maple Leaves Forever, Enbridge Gas, Peterborough K. M. Hunter Charitable Foundation, Fleming College, Durham College, Central Canada Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee, University of Waterloo, and Wildlife Habitat Canada. About Forests Canada From the annual collection of millions of viable tree seeds to building a comprehensive network of experienced planting partners who care about the long-term health of Canada's forested landscapes, non-profit charity Forests Canada is a leading advocate of healthy ecosystems and economies. With interactive education programs inspiring the next generation of forest stewards, and high-quality restoration programs supporting local jobs and communities, we have proudly built the infrastructure needed to ensure the greatest possible outcomes for Canada's forests from coast to coast to coast. We conserve, restore and grow Canada's forests to sustain life and communities. Visit or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or LinkedIn to find out more. SOURCE Forests Canada View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
04-06-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
2025 Ontario Envirothon champions crowned
Forests Canada is proud to be the lead agency of Ontario Envirothon – a unique, environmentally-themed academic competition that immerses students in hands-on learning and discovery while building STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills. BARRIE, ON, June 4, 2025 /CNW/ - After a busy spring that saw 460 students representing 92 five-member teams from across Ontario take part in regional Envirothon workshops and competitions, a team from University of Toronto Schools was crowned as 2025 Ontario Envirothon Champions on May 28. The provincial Envirothon was held at the University of Waterloo from May 25 to 28 and featured 85 students from 17 teams competing to represent Ontario at the National Conservation Foundation (NCF)-Envirothon in Calgary, Alberta from July 20 to 26. "Envirothon season is an incredibly exciting time of year, not just for me and the education team here at Forests Canada, but also for the hundreds of students who are gaining a deeper appreciation for nature and honing their STEM skills," Jess Kaknevicius, CEO, Forests Canada, says. "I attended the provincial championships this year and was really impressed by the knowledge and exuberance of the students but also the selflessness and dedication of all the volunteers, teachers and sponsors who make Ontario Envirothon possible." Throughout the season, students have showcased their knowledge of Ontario Envirothon's four core topics – forestry, soils, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems – along with this year's current topic of " Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship". From the 17 teams that advanced to the provincial competition, the three top-ranking teams were: "We are a proud sponsor of Ontario Envirothon since 2016 and love to see all these incredible young people work together to broaden their horizons and learn so much about the natural world," Deb Pella Keen, Executive Director, Maple Leaves Forever, says. "When I see young people learning about forest stewardship, it gives me hope for a healthy, resilient future. On behalf of Maples Leaves Forever, I'd like to congratulate all the students who took part in Envirothon events this spring and wish the University of Toronto Schools team good luck in Calgary this summer!" "Enbridge Gas enjoys giving back to the communities where we live and work. We are pleased to support Ontario Envirothon and help students in this program gain knowledge and skills they will use for the rest of their lives," says Keith Boulton, Director of Utility Public Affairs and Communications, Enbridge Gas. "Our sponsorship of Ontario Envirothon complements our employee-led initiative, Enbridge LEAF (Local Environmental Action Fellowship), which supports strategic, large-scale tree planting with Forests Canada. Together, we are reducing our carbon footprint and promoting biodiversity." Ontario Envirothon has reached more than 10,000 Envirothon alumni since it was established in 1994. The program's growth and success in 2025 would not have been possible without the help of dedicated volunteers and the generous support of Maple Leaves Forever, Enbridge Gas, Peterborough K. M. Hunter Charitable Foundation, Fleming College, Durham College, Central Canada Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee, University of Waterloo, and Wildlife Habitat Canada. About Forests Canada From the annual collection of millions of viable tree seeds to building a comprehensive network of experienced planting partners who care about the long-term health of Canada's forested landscapes, non-profit charity Forests Canada is a leading advocate of healthy ecosystems and economies. With interactive education programs inspiring the next generation of forest stewards, and high-quality restoration programs supporting local jobs and communities, we have proudly built the infrastructure needed to ensure the greatest possible outcomes for Canada's forests from coast to coast to coast. We conserve, restore and grow Canada's forests to sustain life and communities. Visit or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or LinkedIn to find out more.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
'Assist the future': Area students 'learn about nature' at annual Envirothon
ST. MICHAEL, Pa. – Students from seven school districts combined hands-on learning, the spirit of competition and the fun of spending time outside on a beautiful spring day when they participated Thursday in the Cambria County Conservation District's annual Envirothon. They took tests at different stations – soils, wildlife, aquatics, current issues and forestry – at Disaster's Edge Environmental Education Center in St. Michael's 1889 Park. 'I think it's a great opportunity because it's environmental science education,' said Jackie Ritko, the district's resource conservation supervisor. 'I feel like a lot of the science at the schools is more focused on physics and chemistry, which is all important, but environmental science isn't emphasized so much. It's a great way for the kids to learn about the natural environment, to get some natural-resource education. 'You never know, it could spark interests in kids. Maybe they'll go on to have a career or at least think about the environment in their life as an adult and a voter. I hope that's what this does.' Jan Landis volunteered time during the event as part of her studies in the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program. 'Helping the students is like trying to assist the future,' Landis said. 'So what is more important than that?' She said being with the students 'brings you back down to your planet, your Earth, your neighbor, the person you're talking to. The kids are the future. It grounds you, makes you not only feel better about yourself, but the world around you.' The Northern Cambria team of Taylor Davis, Lillian Statler, Sophi Williams, Emma Neff and Elle Karlheim won the Envirothon. Bishop Carroll, Blacklick Valley, Central Cambria, Conemaugh Valley, Penn Cambria and Portage Area high schools also sent teams. 'We learned how to use your knowledge in the real world instead of just like in a school,' said Molly Itle, a Bishop Carroll student. Her Bishop Carroll teammate Lilyann Strait added: 'I really wanted to come out here today because I just love being in nature, and I thought it would be a great learning experience to kind of look and see if maybe I want to do something like this in my career.' Kilian Johnson, from Central Cambria, said the Envirothon is connected to his future plans, which include studying fishery science. 'It's nice getting out, being able to learn about nature,' Johnson said. 'I was interested because it's related to what I'm going to college for, so it interests me to be out here, learn something new, being able to experience it.'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
High school students compete in 40th annual Envirothon at state park
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – Several local students competed in the 40th annual Centre County Envirothon at Bald Eagle State Park. Students from Bald Eagle Area High School, Bellefonte Area High School, Penns Valley High School, and St. Joseph's Catholic Academy participated for a spot in the state competition. The students got the chance to test their knowledge on several topics, which included soils and land use, forestry, wildlife, aquatics and a current issue, which this year was roots for resiliency. Students had fun competing, and for Bellefonte Senior Taryn Wagner, this marks her last Envirothon being a senior. Originally, she joined for her interest in wildlife. She even does photography now as a hobby. However, for the future, she wants everyone to know and realize what is around them. Centre County commissioners approve two grants for community center restoration 'I think it's just good for people to be educated on their natural surroundings. I feel like some people don't necessarily go out and think about that kind of thing. They'll see a bird and they'll just think that's a bird without any care about what species it is or whether it's native or not,' Wagner said. Centre County Conservation District Manager Jim Coslo said getting students involved is critical as many of them will be leading the industry in the future. 'Environmental issues are very important to our current society. And we think this gives, you know, the kids good exposure to that. It teaches them about these various topics, and it also exposes them to professionals in the environmental field,' Coslo said. Coslo also took time to thank the many organizations for the assistance in making Envirothon possible, including The Centre County Conservation District, the US Department of Agriculture, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, PA Fish and Boat Commission, PA Game Commissioner, and Trout Unlimited. Winners will advance beyond the district level to compete against other schools from across the Commonwealth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
