Celebrating 30 Years of Ontario Envirothon!

In 2024 Ontario Envirothon will be celebrating its 30th anniversary! 

Throughout the years, we've seen numerous participants explore forests, soils, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems while developing critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. We've seen budding environmental leaders explore education and career paths in the natural sciences and network with potential mentors. It is thanks to students, educators, volunteers, judges, and sponsors that Ontario Envirothon has had the longevity that it does.

But don't take it from us, here’s what some of the past participants, educators, volunteers, judges, and sponsors have to say!

If you would like to submit your stories, email envirothon@forestsontario.ca with your name and year(s) of participation.

Testimonials

"In 2022, I participated in the Regional Envirothon Competition, and after placing first, my team and I advanced to the National Competition in Oxford, Ohio. As a group, we strengthened our skills in using various environmental surveying tools, while also working on our presentation and teamwork abilities. Now, as I near the completion of my undergraduate degree in biology and environmental science, the knowledge I gained from the Envirothon remain integral to my research and fieldwork. This experience ignited my passion for further education and careers in environmental science, acting as a stepping stone toward securing other relevant positions in the field.

Beyond the professional impact, my team and I made memories we will never forget and that we continue to recount consistently. Meeting students from all across Canada and the United States offered an experience like no other. It was truly an impactful experience, one that shaped both my academic path and future goals."
- Olivia Fraschetti, alumni

"Envirothon is a space for students to learn about the natural environment in ways that aren’t offered in a traditional classroom setting; as a former participant, I gained early exposure to topics that I would cover in university and later on in my professional role as an ecologist. I highly recommend students who are keen about nature to get involved with their local Envirothon team!"
- Erica Barkley, alumni

"I was an Envirothon participant in 1995. The activities and lessons I received during my participation helped to inspire me to pursue a career in conservation and nature connection and also led me to explore the natural world both here in Canada and in many other countries. For me the Envirothon was educational, inspirational, and fun and I encourage all high school students to take the opportunities that Envirothon offers."
- Ben Teskey, alumni

"I believe that programs like the Envirothon are critical in a digital age to demonstrate all the various environmental fields that are available for students to explore as they continue with their education. The Envirothon made it possible for me to think about pursuing a career in an environmental field so that I could maintain my interest in environmental issues and proceed to make a difference on our ecological landscapes. "
- Kelly Jamieson, alumni, (former) Regional Coordinator

"My team and I had a fantastic time participating in the 2019 Envirothon, and ended up winning the Southwest regional competition and placing third in Ontario. We are grateful to everyone who gave us the chance to participate, including our geography teacher, who gave up her lunch hours to supervise geography club twice a week, London Central Secondary School's school librarian, who helped facilitate the provincial test, Ron and the other folks at Catfish Creek Conservation Authority who organized the regional competition, and everyone from Forests Ontario who makes the program possible."
- Ben Woodward, alumni

"Envirothon was a great team in high-school. Learning in-depth technical knowledge on environmental topics then traveling to compete helped build confidence and enjoyment in understanding more about the world around us."
- Natalie Kuipers, alumni

"In 2019, I participated in the regional Envirothon competition held near Stratford, Ontario. As a member of a 4-person team representing the juniors from our high school's Science Club, I had a hands-on wildlife learning experience. We learned so much, and the teamwork skills I developed continue to benefit me to this day. To current and future Ontario Envirothon participants, here's my advice: Embrace the competition as an opportunity to explore your passions while being inspired by the natural world and people around you."
- Kashish Dhanoa, alumni

"In my opinion Envirothon is Ontario's Premier natural resource education opportunity for high school age students. Envirothon not only promotes environmental knowledge but also team building and leadership skills, as well as good research and study habits that will positively support the students in their on-going education and career choices. The outdoor experience and friendly social interaction between team members and teams along with a strong dose of healthy competition rounds out the Envirothon experience. In my involvement leading the Grey Bruce Envirothon via the MNRF for 27 years starting in 1997, I was always amazed not only by the enthusiastic students but also by the dedication of the teachers and community volunteers eager to encourage students in their knowledge and love of our natural resources. Oh and I almost forgot ...... It's fun too!!"
- Craig Todd (retired) MNRF Stewardship Coordinator/ Partnership Specialist Owen Sound, (previous) Regional Envirothon Coordinator

"I credit my love for nature to Carl Raynard and Bob Gray, both of whom spent countless hours teaching me about the world around me during my childhood. Then came Envirothon. This incredible program kept me grounded during high school and gave me a reason to stay connected to nature. It matters that our youth learn about environmental issues, but it also matters that they simply learn about our soil, water, and local flora and fauna. The knowledge I gained during my years participating in Envirothon led me toward a Masters Degree in Environmental Education and Communication and a life following those values."
- Emily Gray, alumni and volunteer

"Envirothon for me was a fun way to learn more about the environment which I already cared about. It gave me a chance to learn what environmental science was about and have fun while competing as part of a team. It was also great experience for public speaking and learning how to communicate clearly. I think it’s an extremely valuable program and I’m delighted to know that it still continues today."
- Owen Gray, alumni

"My four years of experience with Envirothon (2004 - 2007) was unlike anything else I've experienced. The knowledge and understanding of environmental science I gained was so rich, particularly through the hands-on learning that took place during training, and was then so effectively tested in the field during the competition. Only at Envirothon would your test involve actually getting into a soil test pit, using a secchi disk, or looking at a (somewhat fresh) deer carcass to identify primary and secondary scavengers. It was unparalleled immersive experience and has provided me with a phenomenal awareness and appreciation of our relationship with our environment. In addition , seeing other youth who were equally passionate, and quite frankly, nerdy, about studying and applying their environmental science knowledge was also really impactful. My experience undoubtedly contributed to my drive to study Zoology at university. And while I don't work directly in the environmental science field today, I work for a youth STEM charity where experiential learning is the cornerstone of our programming."
- Melina Found, alumni

"I had a great time at the 2023 Envirothon! It presented so many new learning opportunities and I loved learning more about my local environment at the regional competition. All of the volunteers who taught us were so knowledgeable and encouraged me in my pursuit of an environmental career! My team and I also gained a lot of confidence in ourselves, which I think was integral to our success in the regional and provincial competitions."
- Anna Noseworthy-Turgeon, alumni

"The unique structure of the Envirothon competition allows students, who are interested in geography, science and current environmental issues, to compete at an academic level. Since first volunteering in 2001, I have had much pleasure watching these enthusiastic and highly motivated students and it has given me great hope for the future as they become caretakers of our planet"
- Barb Severs, volunteer

"I grew up camping with my family, exploring the diverse natural landscapes that Ontario has to offer. Competing in Envirothon was the perfect way to continue fostering that passion. My team went to Kansas for the international competition in 2005 and it was a once in a lifetime experience being able to meet teams from all over Canada and the USA. Envirothon was a critical step for me in gaining the experience to assist in developing my career in natural resource management."
- Corinne Arthur, alumni and volunteer

"Envirothon was a very unique experience for me. It opened my eyes to the wide range of scientific methodologies used by professionals and the many cool specimens, such as BMI and wildlife skulls, that I would not have been able to access otherwise as a high school student. It’s like a free trial of the life of an environmental science student, and I LOVE IT."
- Alumni