High school students from across New Jersey gathered last month to test their environmental science skills. The 2026 New Jersey State Envirothon had a clear winner — and the results were impressive across the board.
MATES Team 1 Earns the State Championship
The Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science, known as MATES, claimed first place at this year’s competition. MATES Team 1 will now represent New Jersey at the International NCF-Envirothon this summer. The international event takes place July 19–25, 2026, at Mississippi State University in Starkville.
Each of the five team members will receive a $1,000 scholarship for the win. At the international level, they’ll face teams from the United States, China, Singapore, and Canada.
Metuchen High School Team 1 earned second place. Lawrenceville Team 1 finished third.
Atlantic County Students Show Up
Cedar Creek High School sent two teams to this year’s competition. Both finished respectably in a strong field of 17 teams statewide. It’s a notable showing for Atlantic County and a sign of the serious preparation these students put in.
What Is the NJ State Envirothon?
The competition runs every May and brings together high school teams in grades 9 through 12. Students compete in environmental science and natural resource management — hands-on challenges across five areas: soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatics, and a rotating special topic.
This year’s special topic was “Nonpoint Source Pollution: It Begins at Home.” That subject hits close to home for South Jersey. Nonpoint source pollution — runoff from farms, lawns, roads, and construction sites — is a leading water quality concern throughout Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties.
Teams prepare throughout the school year with guidance from advisors, using study materials and attending outdoor training sessions. The work is rigorous. Richard Dovey, President of the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts, recognized all participants for their hard work and commitment.
This year’s event was hosted by the Ocean County Soil Conservation District at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education in Waretown. Over 180 students, teachers, and volunteers attended. Volunteers kept everything running — proctoring tests, judging presentations, keeping time, and serving meals throughout the day.
Why Envirothon Matters
Envirothon is more than a competition. It builds skills that students carry forward into careers in conservation, resource management, environmental science, and related fields. The program gives students a clear path from classroom learning to real-world application.
DelAtlantic supports Envirothon because that connection matters. The same challenges students study — soil erosion, water quality, forest management, wildlife habitat — are the ones our staff works on every day across South Jersey.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
DelAtlantic would like to personally thank this year’s competition sponsors from our service area:
Their support makes it possible for local students to participate in a competition of this scope and quality.
Get Involved With Envirothon
Interested in bringing Envirothon preparation resources to a school in Atlantic, Cape May, or Camden County? DelAtlantic offers free classroom presentations and educational programs for schools throughout our service area. Learn more about the NJ Envirothon program on our website or visit njenvirothon.org for competition details and sponsorship opportunities.
For questions, contact us at either our Mays Landing or West Berlin office.
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