The New Jersey Envirothon is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for high school students to deepen their understanding of natural resources, develop problem-solving skills, and foster a lifelong passion for environmental stewardship. This annual event brings together teams from across the state to compete in a unique and challenging natural resources competition focused on real-world environmental issues.
What Is the Envirothon?
The Envirothon is a hands-on problem-solving competition designed to test students’ knowledge of environmental topics, including:
- Current Environmental Issues: A topic selected each year that focuses on pressing global and local environmental challenges.
- Aquatics: Water ecosystems, pollution, and conservation strategies.
- Wildlife: Animal habitats, conservation, and biodiversity.
- Soils: Soil science, erosion prevention, and land use.
- Forestry: Tree identification, forest management, and sustainability.
For 2026, the theme is “Non-Point Source Pollution: It begins at home!” Students will learn about NPS mitigation strategies, which encompass actions at both the individual level – such as conservation, recycling, and responsible consumption – and the community level, including watershed planning, best management practices, nature-based solutions, water quality testing, and litter prevention initiatives.
Why Participate in the Envirothon?
Students who participate in the Envirothon benefit in numerous ways:
- Real-World Application: The competition challenges students to think critically about real-world environmental problems and develop practical solutions.
- Collaboration: Teams work together, fostering communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
- Recognition: The winning team from New Jersey advances to the North American Envirothon, representing the state in the largest high school environmental competition in North America.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants meet like-minded peers and professionals, exchanging ideas and experiences.
- College and Career Preparation: The competition provides invaluable experience for students interested in pursuing careers in environmental science, conservation, or natural resource management.
Event Details for the 2026 NJ Envirothon
- Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
- Time: Checkin opens at 7:45 AM; the event begins at 10:00 AM.
- Location: Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education https://naturalresourceeducationfoundation.org/
140 Camp Lighthouse Road
Waretown, NJ 08758
Please note: Friday Night Tent Camping: Free ; Cabin Accommodations are not available for 2026
Visit the NJ Envirothon website to learn more and register your team.
Registration is due by Friday, March 6, 2026
Support for Local Teams
To encourage participation from schools in Atlantic, Cape May and Camden Counties, the DelAtlantic Conservation District offers mini-grants to teams that register and participate in the event.
- Mini-Grant Details:
- Open to the first five teams from Atlantic, Camden, or Cape May Counties who register.
- Teams must participate in the event to receive the grant.
This funding helps cover costs associated with registration, transportation, and materials, making it easier for schools to join the competition.
What to Expect on Competition Day
During the event, teams rotate through five testing stations, each focusing on one of the core environmental topics. At each station, students answer questions, complete hands-on tasks, and apply their knowledge to solve environmental challenges.
The final challenge is the team presentation, where students present their solutions to a real-world environmental issue before a panel of judges. This aspect of the competition emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and public speaking skills.
A Gateway to the North American Envirothon
The winning team from the New Jersey Envirothon will advance to the North American Envirothon, where they’ll compete against top teams from across the United States and Canada. This prestigious event provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to represent New Jersey, gain international recognition, and expand their environmental expertise.
Why the Envirothon Matters
The Envirothon not only educates students about environmental issues but also inspires the next generation of conservation leaders. By encouraging critical thinking, teamwork, and practical problem-solving, it prepares students to tackle the environmental challenges of the future.
Get Involved
If you’re a high school student passionate about the environment, or an educator looking to inspire your students, the Envirothon is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Register your team today to take part in this exciting event, or contact the DelAtlantic Conservation District for more information about mini-grants and participation.
Let’s work together to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for our planet’s natural resources!
For questions or support, Call 609-625-3144 ext. 109 or Contact us now
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