York County Envirothon
Cooperative Environmental Education Programming
What is the Envirothon?
It’s the largest environmental education competition in the nation!
- Created by Pennsylvania’s Conservation Districts originally for senior high students.
- Envirothon events are held in 66 of 67 PA counties, all 50 states, Canada, and beyond.
FUN FACT: York County is one of the few places throughout North America to offer the Envirothon beginning in the third grade.
Why participate in the Envirothon?
Because the Envirothon works! (…and it’s FUN!)
- Students have fun while learning teambuilding, sportsmanship, stewardship, and independent research skills.
- Many students pursue degrees and careers in conservation, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
How does the Envirothon happen?
It takes a village to run the Envirothon!
- York County Conservation District coordinates the Envirothon with cooperating agencies.
- Community sponsors & fundraising events provide financial support.
- Volunteers prepare study materials, teach students, and assist with event logistics.
How many students participate in the Envirothon?
Nearly 1,000 York County students participate in the Envirothon each year!
- Almost every school district in York County participates.
- Home-school associations and local charter schools participate.
What do students study?
Conservation District creates a curriculum of study resources on our website each fall.
- Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife and a new environmental Current Issue each year. All resources meet our state or national science standards.
- Many schools use these age-appropriate study resources to add new educational materials to their current classrooms or libraries.
Is the Envirothon competitive?
Competition intensifies as students advance through grade levels.
- Lower grade events introduce students to the basic concepts of the Envirothon.
- Students participate on school teams, study the resources, and compete against each other
Envirothon Resources and Registrations
Support the Envirothon
The York County Envirothon provides environmental education programming at no-cost to nearly 1,000 students each year. Your gift will support the Envirothon program as it prepares our students to be future leaders in natural resource conservation.
Our 2025 Envirothon Sponsorship Drive is underway. Become a sponsor today!
2025 York County Envirothon Competition Dates
Senior High Envirothon – Tuesday, April 22
Middle School Envirothon – Tuesday, May 13
5th & 6th Grade Envirothon – Wednesday, May 14
3rd & 4th Grade Envirothon – Thursday, May 15
Paul Wilson $500 Conservation Award
Paul Wilson was director emeritus of the York County Conservation District (YCCD). He is considered one of the “Fathers” of the York County and Pennsylvania State Envirothon. Paul was also a highly respected member of the York County Izaak Walton League (IWLA), Chapter #67.
This $500 Annual Conservation Award is offered in his memory. The Award is open to any York County student who is a registered member of their 2025 Senior High Envirothon Team (Grades 9—12).
The award recipient will be chosen, prior to the competition, based on educational merit, involvement in conservation activities, personal/professional recommendations and student’s own statement of interest. Team placement in the Envirothon competition has no bearing on the award.
The award money may be used for any purpose that helps further the student’s interest & involvement in the conservation of our natural resources. This may include their college education, an internship, a summer conservation camp, registration or travel fees, the purchase of appropriate equipment, or some other purpose to be applied toward their conservation activity.
Students may apply for this award before being accepted into a college, or for a summer internship or conservation camp, etc.
2025 Application Window will open in January 2025.
Please stay tuned for updates on the 2025 Paul Wilson Conservation Award.
Volunteer for the York County Envirothon
Volunteer to assist with the York County Envirothon. Submit the form below to register as a volunteer.
Sign Up to Volunteer