Envirothon competition returns, virtually

WEST CHESTER >> The Chester County Envirothon, a schools-based tradition that challenges students’ knowledge of the natural environment, continues this year, virtually.

The 2021 Chester County Envirothon, scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, will feature high school seniors on 11 teams from eight schools across the county. All teams in the competition will explore the important facets of current environmental issues, with this year’s theme focusing on finding solutions to Water Resource Management.

Gaye Lynn Criswell, Envirothon Coordinator at the Chester County Conservation District, the County agency that oversees the Envirothon, said, “This year, we had to limit the competition to just high school seniors, and we are very pleased to welcome 11 teams from eight schools.

“Despite the pandemicled challenges faced by schools this year, the students and teachers still wanted to compete, and have studied all year to represent their school. Following this year’s theme, the students are being charged to find real-world solutions to ground water issues that are currently experienced by communities throughout the state.”

The Chester County Envirothon, which has been in place for nearly 35 years, is a component of the Pennsylvania Envirothon Program. The competition is a cumulative process that addresses awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and application of environmental issues.

Results of the Chester County Envirothon will be received after competition day, and the winning team will advance to the State Envirothon in May, also being held virtually this year.

Organizers hope to return to an in-person event next year at Hibernia Park, for school teams that range from third grade to 12th grade.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Students throughout Chester County love to compete in the Envirothon every year. This year’s event will be virtual, and organizers hope that next year, the Chester County Envirothon will return to in-person competition at Hibernia Park.