Posted on June 5, 2023 at 1:23 PM by Marlie Sloan
The students from Walla Walla High School hold their 1st place certificate.What a Wonderful Envirothon!
Soundview Camp on the Key Peninsula was the setting for this year's Washington State Envirothon competition. Teams from around the state descended on the camp to put their natural resources knowledge to the test, having earned their way through various regional events. As teams arrived, they explored the camp's trails and expansive shoreline, noting the sand dollars and jellyfish scattered along the shore of the Puget Sound. They made the most of the first day at camp, mingling with other teams through trivia, scavenger hunts, and a communal dinner.
As they finished their breakfast the next morning, it was time to turn their attention to the task at hand. They dispersed to their testing stations scattered around the camp. From identifying wildlife skulls, to measuring tree diameter, and analyzing soil profiles, they tackled the challenging tests placed before them. They also presented their approaches to mitigating the effects of climate change to a panel of judges on behalf of a small waterfront town.
When the pencils were down and the scores added up, Walla Walla High School had earned 1st place- in their first ever year of competing, no less! Following in 2nd place was Tesla STEM High School of Renton, and Avanti High School of Olympia placing 3rd among the 11 competing teams. It was another strong field, and we can't wait to cheer on Walla Walla as they advance to the North American Envirothon Competition in July! Great job to all the students.
Students and staff gather at the camp's amphitheater for a trivia competition.
A team roasts marshmallows together over the camp's fire.
A group explores the beach and discovers aquatic life.
Team Coho smiles at the aquatics station.
Posted on May 1, 2023 at 4:49 PM by Camila Matamala-Ost
CASEE High School takes home 1st place at the 2023 South Puget Sound Regional EnvirothonThe regional Envirothon competitions in Washington State ended last week, and now it is time for our winning teams to gear up for the state competition. Congratulations to all our South Sound Regional competitors for a job well done!
Results
- Taking home 1st place was CASEE High School, representing Clark County.
- Pierce County teams had a strong showing:
What’s Next?
The state event will be held at Soundview Camp on the Key Peninsula on May 24th and 25th. This year we are excited to bring back the traditional 2-day event. Students will show up the day before the competition to take part in team building activities, study sessions, campfire hangouts, and of course, S’MORES! On the day two, ten teams from across Washington State will face off to determine who will take home 1st place. Let’s once again wish them the best of luck as they continue their journey as environmental stewards in this awesome natural resource competition!
Students tackle the wildlife test at the 2023 South Puget Sound Regional Envirothon.
Posted on April 4, 2023 at 2:33 PM by Camila Matamala-Ost
Soil Scientist, Chuck Natsuhara, shows soil sample classifications to students.
Chuck and students analyze the profile of a soil pit.
It is that time of year again, teams of high school students across Washington State are preparing for their regional Envirothon competitions! Each year, students compete in teams of five to demonstrate their knowledge in Soils, Forestry, Aquatics, Wildlife, and a current issue topic. This year’s current issue topic is Adapting to a Changing Climate. Students receive topical bonus training each year through a series of free workshops. The South Sound Region competition will be held on April 25, at Squaxin Park in Olympia. In preparation, students have enjoyed unique opportunities to visit local organizations and universities labs to learn from environmental science professionals. Julie Masura, a climate expert and lecturer of Geosciences from the University of Washington Tacoma, and Dr. Derek Faust, a forestry expert and lecturer of Environmental Science from Clover Park Technical College both hosted tours. Students also visited the Bill Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge located in Nisqually, where they learned from retired NRCS soil scientist, Chuck Natsuhara, about the basics of soil morphology and properties.
The winners of the regional competitions will compete at the state Envirothon, with the state winner advancing to the North American Envirothon competition. Let’s wish our teams of environmental stewards good luck at this year’s Washington State Envirothon, and happy studying as they continue to prepare for competition!
Interested in volunteering at Regionals on April 25th? Register at South Puget Sound Regional Envirothon Volunteer Sign Up. For more information on Washington State Envirothon check out their website.