The goal of the Maryland Envirothon is to increase students' environ- mental knowledge and understanding while motivating young people to care for the environment by practicing stewardship in their homes, schools, and communities. Hundreds of Maryland high school students have met this challenge every year and are now more concerned and informed about protecting natural resources in the world around them.
Areas of Study
The Maryland Envirothon combines classroom learning with active field experience in five disciplines:
- Wildlife Students learn firsthand from wildlife managers about animal populations and dynamics in Maryland and the importance of preserving wildlife habitat.
- Forestry Maryland foresters teach students how to identify tree species and determine a tree's height and age. Students also learn management techniques to assure healthy and productive forestry resources.
- Soils Students work along side soil scientists to learn soil profiling and mapping techniques used to determine soil characteristics important for agricultural and other land use consideration. Students also learn how land-use changes impact soils and people's lives.
- Aquatics Fragile underwater ecosystems are explored in detail with marine and freshwater biologists. Students also learn how to make connections between water quality, stream health, and wetlands.
- Environmental Issues What is a watershed? How do wetlands protect water quality? Does Smart Growth really work? These are some of the environmental issues that students have explored in years past.
How It Works
High school Envirothon teams consisting of five students, one alternate, and a teacher/ coach study Maryland's natural resources during the academic year. Competitions begin locally in the spring with high school teams .competing for the county Envirothon title.
Envirothon teams are asked to identify and categorize living resources, perform soil surveys, and solve other complex natural resource issues as part of the competition. The team with the highest cumulative total wins the competition and advances to the Maryland Envirothon. This 2-1/2 day, statewide competition is usually held in June at an outdoor environmental education center and features a number of outdoor activities, including night hikes, campfire chats, wildlife demonstrations, and additional training in all five resource areas. The team that wins the Maryland Envirothon earns the right to represent the state at the Canon Envirothon-a vigorous five-day competition featuring high school teams from across the United States and Canada.
History
The Envirothon began in 1979 through the efforts of three Pennsylvania soil and water conservation districts.
Today the Envirothon is the largest natural resources competition for high school students in North America, with 8 Canadian Provinces and more than 41 states participating. The Maryland Envirothon -- sponsored by local soil conservation districts and the State Soil Conservation Committee -- was first held in 1990. Since then, Maryland teams have consistently placed in the top ten percent at international competitions, earning a range of educational scholarships and products from the international program's sponsor, Canon.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Educating tomorrow's decision makers on the importance of conservation is vital to the health of our natural resources and the Chesapeake Bay. The Maryland Envirothon helps students become more involved in protecting our natural resources by honing their problem-solving skills and instilling a sense of stewardship in these future leaders. In order to compete at the state and international levels, Envirothon teams need assistance in covering expenses associated with education- al materials, travel, and lodging. Please pledge your support for Maryland's Envirothon teams.
- Gold Sponsor: $1,000
- Silver Sponsor: $500
- Bronze Sponsor: $250
Make checks payable to:
The Maryland Envirothon/Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, and mail to MASCD, 53 Slama Road, Edgewater, MD 21037.
MASCD is a nonprofit organization #501 (C) 3. Contributions are tax deductible.
For More Information
For more information on how your school or youth organization can get involved in the Envirothon, talk to your science teacher / coordinator or call the local soil conservation district serving your county.
To see a list of soil conservation district names and phone numbers, click here.
You can request a brochure that is a companion to this web site from your local Soil Conservation District.
