About Envirothon

Envirothon engages youth and encourages them to foster a connection with nature while developing important critical thinking and communication skills. A unique team-based program, the Ontario Envirothon challenges students to learn more about the natural world around them, focusing on forests, soils, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems, plus an annually changing current issue topic.

Envirothon calls on high school students to build environmental awareness and leadership through practical, hands-on experiences, enabling them to make informed, responsible decisions that benefit the earth and society.

Program objectives are:

• to increase students’ awareness of the natural balance and complexity of environmental ecosystems;
• to increase students’ understanding of basic science concepts in the areas of forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology, and soil, together with a current environmental issue each year;
• to provide opportunity for students to experience differing views and concepts relative to environmental issues;
• to provide opportunity for students to experience new ideas, geography, and cultures throughout Ontario and North America.

Still not convinced? Check out our Ontario Envirothon Video to learn more and see what this program means to students across Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join?

Ontario Envirothon is open to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in public, private and home schools, or community organizations such as 4-H clubs and outdoor or environmental clubs. Teams of 5 students are eligible to move on to the Ontario Envirothon Championship. Winners of the Championship will represent the province at the NCF-Envirothon.

What Region am I a part of?

A region is the closest area to a competition that holds an Ontario Envirothon competition. Regions are roughly based off of school board regions, municipalities, and/or county boundaries.

In 2026, in-person regional Envirothon events will be hosted in many regions across the province. Visit the Regional Envirothon Competitions page to see where in-person events are taking place. If there is no in-person event in your community, a virtual regional Envirothon program is available.

If your region is not included in the Regional Envirothon Competition page, your team can still participate and win a spot at the provincial event! Please contact us at envirothon@forestsontario.ca. For more details on your region, visit our regional coordinators page or contact us directly.

What is included in the registration fee?

Registration for the 2026 Ontario Envirothon program is $275 (plus HST) per team. Ontario Envirothon registration fees entitle a team to participate in all events associated with the regional program and a chance to win a spot at the provincial event. Any travel costs associated the with NCF-Envirothon are the responsibility of the winning team.

When does the Ontario Envirothon take place?

Regional events will take place between March and early May 2025. The Provincial competition will be held in late May 2026. Registration for the Ontario Envirothon program will open in January 2026 and run until March 23, 2026. The NCF-Envirothon is typically held in July of the summer following the Ontario Envirothon Championship. Additional details about this level of competition can be found on the NCF website here.

I am on an Envirothon team that does not have a local regional event, how can I still participate? 

Teams that do not have a local regional competition but still wish to participate in the Ontario Envirothon program should connect with Forests Canada (envirothon@forestscanada.ca) to discuss options. 

How does the Ontario Envirothon and Ontario EcoSchools relate?

The Ontario Envirothon program can help teachers and students excel within Ontario EcoSchools’ Teamwork and Leadership section by engaging teams of students in developing leadership skills and environmental awareness.

Is the Ontario Envirothon a part of the Specialist High Skills Major?

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) was introduced to focus on expanding the quality learning opportunities and supporting success for all students. Different majors allow students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for their Ontario Diploma. The SHSM enables students to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge and help them to prepare for postsecondary goals. Currently the Ontario Envirothon is mentioned as part of the Environment SHSM. Other opportunities may also exist in SHSMs including Health & Wellness and Agriculture.

How It Works

Student Teams participate in a Regional Envirothon event or participate in the iNaturalist challenges. Participation in the iNaturalist project is not necessary if you have a regional event but is encouraged.

Up to 20 teams from across Ontario compete at a Provincial Envirothon.

1 team will represent Ontario at the NCF-Envirothon Championships.