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Why Envirothon?

Maine has a long history of natural resource use and management. With extensive forests, thousands of lakes and ponds, miles of rivers and streams, abundant wildlife, and a strong agricultural heritage, understanding and managing these resources is an important part of Maine’s future.

Through Envirothon, students develop:

• Environmental science knowledge
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Connections with natural resource professionals
• Awareness of environmental careers and conservation challenges

The Maine Envirothon program supports hands-on learning aligned with Maine’s educational goals while encouraging students to explore real-world environmental issues.

How Does Envirothon Work?

Students compete in five environmental focus areas:

• Wildlife: Wildlife identification, ecology, habitat requirements, and conservation.
• Aquatic Ecology: Freshwater systems, aquatic organisms, and water quality.
• Forestry: Forest ecosystems, tree identification, forest management, and conservation.
• Soils & Land Use: Soil science, land use, and conservation practices.
• Current Environmental Issue: A yearly topic selected by NCF-Envirothon that challenges students to research, analyze, and develop solutions for a current environmental concern. Teams prepare a poster and presentation to share their findings and proposed solutions.

The competition includes written questions, identification, hands-on field activities, and problem-solving challenges. Teams prepare using study resources, optional trainings, field experiences, and guidance from advisors and natural resource professionals.

Starting a Team

Anyone can start an Envirothon team. You do not need to be an environmental expert to serve as an advisor. Advisors may include teachers, coaches, technical instructors, parents, or community members.

A Maine Envirothon team includes:

• 3–5 students in grades 9–12
• At least one adult advisor
• An optional alternate student who may replace a team member if they are unable to participate

Teams may compete with fewer than five students at Maine competitions. However, if a team advances to the NCF-Envirothon International Competition, the team must compete with five students. All students representing that team must be from the same school, organization, or sponsoring group.

Competition Pathway

Each state organizes its Envirothon program according to its own structure. In Maine, teams participate in regional competitions to qualify for the Maine State Envirothon Competition.

The Maine State Champion is invited to represent Maine at the NCF-Envirothon International Competition.

The NCF-Envirothon International Competition brings together top teams from participating Envirothon programs for a week-long environmental learning experience and competition.