LINCOLN, Nebraska -- On July 28, 2023, the Massachusetts Envirothon team from Lexington, Massachusetts, was named the champion of the 2023 National Conservation Foundation (NCF)-Envirothon, with teams from Pennsylvania and Ontario coming in second and third place respectively.

Nebraska was represented by the Dawson County Envirothon Club, who were named Envirothon state champions at Lake McConaughy April 26, 2023. The team was coached by Janice Wolfinger and includes, Ryan Arbuthnot, Creyton Line, Parker Walahoski, Jacie Wolfinger and Jaelin Wolfinger

Forty-nine teams from across the U.S., Canada, and Singapore traveled to this year’s competition, from July 23-28, hosted in partnership with the Envirothon New Brunswick and Science East Science Center, Mount Allison University in Tantramar, New Brunswick, Canada. Throughout the week-long competition, students demonstrated their knowledge on soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry and wildlife management through written tests and interactive stations featuring New Brunswick’s natural resources. The teams were also tested on and then prepared oral presentations on this year’s current issue, “Adapting to a Changing Climate.”

“Over the past week, we have come together from all corners of the world to immerse ourselves in the wonders of our natural environment and create memories that will forever hold a special place in our hearts,” said New Brunswick Host Committee Chair Becky Geneau. “The activities we organized were carefully designed to challenge students' intellect, creativity, and teamwork skills. We witnessed their enthusiasm and dedication tackling each challenge with determination, always striving to find innovative solutions to complex environmental problems. Their passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship shone through every activity, in the true essence of the NCF-Envirothon spirit.”

The winning NCF-Envirothon teams are awarded scholarships and prizes, with the top three scoring teams receiving $30,000 in total, thanks to the support of Smithfield Foods, Inc. Scholarships for fourth through tenth place were awarded thanks to financial donations from NCF and last year’s host, Ohio Envirothon.

Find the full list of winners and more information on the Envirothon website. The 2024 NCF-Envirothon annual international competition will be held in Geneva, New York, from July 28 - August 3, where students will be tested on the topic, “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future.”

NCF-Envirothon teams and volunteers pose for a group photo at the Irving Nature Park Beach in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.