NH Envirothon | conservationdistrict

NH Envirothon | 6-12

NH Envirothon is a hands-on environmental problem-solving competition for middle and high school-aged students in New Hampshire.

Since 1992, NH Envirothon has inspired teens to make responsible environmental and natural resource decisions through real-world, hands-on educational experiences. Many students step away from the Envirothon experience excited about learning and motivated to pursue careers in environmental studies, environmental law, natural sciences, and natural resource management.

Students are tested on their knowledge in five topic areas: aquatics, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife and current environmental issues; and develop an understanding of effective teamwork, resource management and ecology. The state's winning team advances to the North American Envirothon competition. NH Envirothon Brochure

Check back for more training dates.

Fox Research & Demonstration Forest

Henry I. Baldwin Forestry Education Center

309 Center Road, Hillsborough, NH 03244

NH Envirothon & Environmental Sciences Workshop

Registration deadline: November 7, 2022.

Email admin@nhenvirothon.org to register.

Envirothon Training | All Seasons

The following lessons were created to train middle and high school students for the NH Envirothon. Most of them are field studies that are meant to supplement training that is already happening in the classroom or afterschool programs. They can be mixed and matched (as long as the season allows), but are most effective as once a month field experiences throughout the school year. Students learn about wildlife, soil, water, forest ecology and conservation from professionals in the field. The Education and Outreach Specialist will work with you to create a schedule and coordinate educators to teach each topic. If you are interested in other Envirothon topics, let us know and we’ll do our best to meet your needs.

Forestry | All Seasons

Forestry has a language and tools of its own. Learn the lingo and how to use a Biltmore stick to measure tree log height, diameter, and volume. Students will be introduced to the four silvicultural systems and will practice determining the age and or stage of a stand of trees.

Mammal Tracks & Signs| Winter

Explore how wildlife moves through the winter landscape. Be a detective and use clues such as tracks and signs to uncover the story of the animals that are active this time of year in the forest and field.

Presentation Skills | All Seasons

Each team will make a presentation on the Current Issue. Learn tips and tricks to be good presenters. Practice your presentation for SCCD staff and get feedback.

Special Note: This is an INDOOR program.

Soil Mapping | All Seasons

Learn how to read soil maps on an online database to determine which ones should be conserved for agriculture, forestry and other uses. Students may observe different soil types in the field.

Special Note: This is an primarily an INDOOR program.

Soil Science | Fall, Spring

What is soil and why is it important? Use your senses and some tools to study the soil like a scientist. Tests include color, texture, composition, and water retention. Students will learn about soil horizons and the underlying geology of NH soils.

Special Note: It is best if we can dig a soil pit, but soil can be brought in if need be.

You can also prepare for the Soils portion of the NH Envirothon by taking part in the Soil Judging Contest that happens each fall.

Trees of NH| All Seasons

Students will learn to identify trees of NH using guides and keys and practice inside and outside of the classroom. Other topics may include trees as resources and invasive species (insects).

Special Note: This is best taught while leaves are on the trees. Laminated leaves will be used during winter.

Water Quality Testing | Fall, Spring

Determine the health of an aquatic ecosystem through chemical and physical testing. Students will also conduct a biotic survey - collecting and identifying benthic macroinvertebrates as a long-term measure of health.

Special Note: This can be broken into 2 sessions - Chemical Testing and Biotic Survey

Wildlife of NH| All Seasons

Students will learn to identify wildlife of NH through hands-on learning inside and outside of the classroom. Focus is placed on understanding habitat, human impacts, and relationships between wildlife and their environment.

Special Note: Up-close examination of skins and skulls may be included when available.