Students Compete to Win Envirothon
The Virginia Dominion Energy Envirothon is an exciting, team-based natural resources competition for high school students. Sponsored by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) and Dominion Energy, this program offers students a unique opportunity to learn about environmental stewardship and management while solving real-world environmental problems
For 2025, the Envirothon theme is: "Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change." This theme emphasizes the critical importance of forests, which cover 31% of Earth’s land area, and their profound impact on our planet's health and human well-being.
The 2025 theme encourages students to delve into several key areas:
Climate Change Projections: Understanding the causes and impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems, including environmental, social, and economic effects.
Forest Health in a Changing Climate: Examining how climate change affects forest health, including the spread of pests, diseases, and the frequency of wildfires.
Inherent Rights of Indigenous Peoples to Land Stewardship: Recognizing the vital role Indigenous communities play in forest conservation and the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into modern stewardship practices.
Vulnerability Assessments and Adaptation Strategies: Identifying Forest vulnerabilities and developing strategies to enhance resilience against climate-induced challenges.
Legislation and Regulations: Exploring existing policies affecting forest management and considering the need for new regulations to address emerging issues.
By engaging with these topics, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in forest stewardship amidst a changing climate. Envirothon aims to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders to develop innovative solutions that promote sustainable forest management and resilience.
The 2025 Virginia Dominion Energy Envirothon Area III Competition will be held on April 15 and the top two teams will move on to the State Competition May 18-19, 2025, at Mary Washington University. The winning team will advance to the International Competition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, from July 20-26, 2025
As we look forward to the 2025 Envirothon, we anticipate witnessing the passion and ingenuity of students as they tackle these critical issues, contributing to a future where our forests—and the myriad benefits they provide—are preserved and enhanced for generations to come.
Envirothon is a fantastic opportunity for Virginia's high school students to engage with environmental issues, develop valuable skills, and make a positive impact on their communities. If you're passionate about the environment and eager to learn, consider joining or supporting a local Envirothon team!
