The Maryland State Envirothon is a problem-solving natural resource competition for high school students. In Maryland the Envirothon is sponsored by the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD), which is an organization representing all of the soil conservation districts in the state.

Teams of high school age students are tested on their knowledge of a state's natural resources -- soils, forestry, wildlife, water and a current environmental issue. Students visit five "in-the-field" test stations where written and hands-on problem solving is required along with formulating a strategy for increasing public awareness. The event is competitive, education is the bottom line.

Participants will gain a deeper knowledge of the following:

• the affect individual actions have on environmental problems;

• the interactions and inter dependencies of our environment;

• current environmental issues;

• the agencies available to assist them in resource protection matters;

• the need to become environmentally aware, action-oriented adults

The Competition

Local Conservation Districts*, in conjunction with cooperating agencies and educators, organize and run local Envirothon competitions.  The winning county team then has the opportunity to compete in the State Envirothon (hosted by the William S. Schmidt Center) which is attended by 20+ teams from across the state.  The state competition champions then travel and compete at the National Envirothon.  In 2006 the Canon National Envirothon will be held in Manitoba, Canada.
*Conservation Districts are governed by locally elected landowners and farmers, help landowners and land users solve resource management problems.

**The Prince George's County Envirothon was held April 25, 2007 at the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center.  Congratulations go out to the winning school - Eleanor Roosevelt High School (pictured below) and the first runner up school - High Point High!** 

The Maryland State Envirothon was held June 19-21, 2007 at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore Campus and the team from Eleanor Roosevelt High School came in sixth place!

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