Each spring, teams of 5 high school students prepare with a teacher/coach to compete in the areas of aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife and a current issue in natural resources. Regional winners advance to the state and then the national competition. The Northeastern Illinois Envirothon is organized by local soil and water conservation districts and The Conservation Foundation. This competition is held over two days in early spring. One competition is held for high schools in Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Will counties. Another competition is held for high schools in Boone, DeKalb, Lake, McHenry and Winnebago counties.

Fostering Environmentally Conscious, Decision Making Young Adults

What is Envirothon? The Envirothon is an exciting and fun way from high school students to learn about the environment. It combines in-class curriculum with hands-on field experiences, while demonstrating the role people have in environmental concerns, like sustainable agriculture, forest management, soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife management. Resources are provided to students in topics of aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife, and a current environmental topic. The 2023 environmental topic is “Adapting to a Changing Climate.”   Students compete as a team consisting of five individuals (plus 1 alternate) from the same high school or organization Teams are tested in five subject areas through written tests, laboratory tests, and an oral presentation.   The Envirothon experience provides students with the ability to think critically and enhance their problem-solving skills. It gives students the ability to be role models in their community. Lastly, it prepares student for future careers in natural resource areas.

Areas of Study Aquatics:
Students will learn about aquatic organisms, water quality, and watersheds. Key ideas include laws and methods used to protect water quality understand best management decisions.  
Forestry: Students will learn to understand basic forest management concepts and tools like use of tree measuring devices, best management practices, and forest ecology concepts.
Soils: Students will learn how to determine basic soil properties and limitations, such as mottling and permeability. They will be able to identify types of soil erosion and discuss methods for reducing erosion.
Wildlife: Students will learn to describe major factors affecting threatened and endangered species and methods to improve species populations. They will be able to discuss ways the public and wildlife managers can aid in protection and conservation.   2023 Current Topic- “Adapting to a Changing Climate”: Students will learn about factors contributing to a changing climate, the effects of these changes on the environment and natu-ral resources, and the unique challeng-es facing natural resource dependent communities. As they explore the impacts on human social and econom-ic systems, they will learn about management strate-gies for mitigating and adapting to a changing climate, and the roles of innovative technologies and programs in responding to local and global changes.     Sponsorships Each year Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Northeastern Illinois, collectively called Land Use Council 16, seek funding to support the Northeastern Illinois Envirothon. Funding provides students and advisors with educational workshops, lunches, t-shirts, and awards for top placing teams. It is sponsors that allow the Northeastern Illinois Envirothon to continue to raise awareness of environmental issues and provide positive impacts in local communities.   For over 25 years, the Northeastern Illinois Envirothon has continued to be a successful event and brings together diverse groups of students. We hope organizations, like yours, considers a contribution towards the Northeastern Illinois Envirothon competition. Your donation is tax deductible and will aid in continuation of environmental awareness. Become part of the environmental education movement in your community today