The National Conservation Foundation (NCF) is pleased to announce that the 34th annual NCF-Envirothon Competition will start on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Hosted in partnership with Envirothon New Brunswick and Science East Science Center, this year’s competition will be held July 23-29 at Mount Allison University in Tantramar, New Brunswick, Canada. The 2023 NCF-Envirothon Competition brings together 51 teams of high school students from across the United States, Canada, China, and Singapore to compete for more than $40,000 in prizes and awards in the five areas of study: aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and the event’s current environmental issue.
“We’re excited to be in New Brunswick for this year’s competition,” NCF Chair Brent Van Dyke said. “These students are the conservation leaders of tomorrow. The Envirothon competition gives them the opportunity to learn about conservation, equipping them with knowledge and skills to face the natural resource challenges of the future.”
The 2023 Envirothon will spotlight the ecology and natural resources of New Brunswick, Canada, with a special focus on this year’s current issue of “Adapting to a Changing Climate.” Students will learn about the factors contributing to a changing climate, its impact on natural resources and human society, and actions that can be taken to mitigate those impacts. Students will also learn about the unique natural resource challenges facing local communities and how these communities are adapting to maintain their ways of life.
“New Brunswick’s commitment to hosting the NCF-Envirothon competition reflects the importance of fostering climate action and bridging the gap between youth and promising careers in environmental and natural resources, paving the way for a sustainable future” said New Brunswick host committee Chair, Becky Geneau. “Empowering students with the opportunity to learn from experts in their respective fields is crucial in fostering their growth as critical thinkers. By equipping them with the knowledge and skills to tackle the pressing challenges of today, we enable them to become agents of change, offering innovative and collaborative solutions that shape a brighter future for all” remarked Geneau.
The event kicks off on Sunday, July 23 with an opening ceremony that includes a keynote address from Adam Schoalts, a professional adventurer, best-selling author, and Westaway Explorer-in-Residence at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. The rest of the weeklong academic competition will immerse student teams in intensive training, including testing in the five areas of study and development of an oral presentation based on the current issue. The week will conclude with a closing ceremony to distribute awards and scholarships.
In addition to the event, Science East Science Center will also be hosting the GenAction Expo on Wednesday, July 26 at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal in uptown Saint John. A free event for the public, the GenAction Expo will highlight natural resources, environmental, and climate action knowledge from exhibitors across New Brunswick, Canada, and beyond. NCF-Envirothon participants and the public will be able to interact with exhibitors as they showcase their research and environmental projects, field equipment, provide hands-on activities, demonstrations, and more.
Complete event details can be found on the NCF-Envirothon website.
The NCF-Envirothon is a program of the National Conservation Foundation (NCF). Sponsors and organizing partners of the 2023 event include the Science East Science Center, Envirothon New Brunswick, New Brunswick Government, New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund, the GenAction Initiative, Smithfield Foods, Inc., Mount Allison University, Natural Resources Canada, J.D. Irving Limited, Tantramar, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), City of Moncton, Valley Graphics, USDA Natural resources Conservation Service, Coach Atlantic, Dillon Consulting, Port Saint John, University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio Envirothon, ClimAtlantic, Ducks Unlimited, Forest New Brunswick A.L.P.A Equipment, Canadian Woodlands Forum, Saint John Energy, Huntsman Marine Science Centre, Fundy Engineering, New Brunswick Invasive Species Council, University of New Brunswick Physics, Quartermain Earth Science Centre, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – New Brunswick, Let’s Talk Science, Peak Rentals, Remsoft, and Mining Matters.
