Envirothon is a competitive, problem-solving, natural resources experience for students in grades nine through 12. Although the event is competitive, education is the bottom line.  Foresters, biologists and other resource professionals work with the students to help them prepare for the competition. 

Envirothon students train and compete in teams of five.  The teams are ultimately tested on their knowledge of Kentucky's natural resources at five "field" stations. Each station covers a separate topic addressing soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatics and a current environmental issue. Through hands-on experiments, analysis and use of critical thinking skills, the teams answer a set of questions at each station.

The Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts sponsors the Kentucky Envirothon competition in an effort to educate students about our natural world and encourage them to become environmentally aware, action-oriented citizens.  Kentucky's competition is held in the spring each year and the winning team, along with adult advisors, compete in the national competition in the summer. Travel expenses and accommodations for the winning team are paid for by the Kentucky Envirothon Committee.

If you would like your school to compete in the next Envirothon, contact your local conservation district office or call the Kentucky Division of Conservation at 502-564-3080.

For registration forms, rules and regulations, release forms, regional maps, and current events for the 2009 Envirothon competition, visit the Kentucky Division of Conservation's Envirothon Web page. 

1. Consult with a forester or forest ranger to assist with hands-on learning.  To arrange for a resource professional to work with your team, contact any of the following agencies:
   Kentucky Division of Forestry District Offices
   Daniel Boone National Forest
   University of Kentucky's Department of Forestry
   University of Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service
   
   
2. Learn the basics of forest management and learn about forest ecosystems specific to Kentucky.  The following outlines will help you prepare for the forestry component:
   Forest Concepts for Envirothon
   Sample Test Questions for Forestry Component
   

Science of Forestry Management by Kris Irwin is a fully illustrated textbook providing the fundamentals of forestry.  Order online copies at http://www.aavim.com/.

The Dictionary of Forestry by John A. Helms, Society of American Foresters contains forestry terms.

Choose Forestry is a free brochure about careers in forestry. 

"Focus on Forests" and "Forest Ecology" are high school modules with hands-on activities.  These Project Learning Tree modules are excellent tools for learning about forestry.  To attain these modules, teachers must complete a six-hour Project Learning Tree workshop.  Visit the PLT page for more information.
 

1. Visit the National Canon Envirothon Web site.  
2. Visit the Division of Conservation's Envirothon Web page. 
3. Contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at 502-564-4496 or e-mail Jennifer Turner.