Introduction to the Nova Scotia Envirothon Program

The Nova Scotia Envirothon program is a hands-on natural science academic program that challenges and engages high school students to think critically about the natural world around them and the role they play in it. The program is hosted by Acadia University and the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre.

Program Overview

The Envirothon program fosters appreciation and respect for the natural world and expands students' knowledge and comprehension skills in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Students develop leadership, problem-solving, and team-building skills using experimental learning in outdoor settings. The program focuses on five key areas: aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, soils, and current environmental issues.

Program Logistics

• Teams can be from any school in Nova Scotia, and schools may have more than one team.
• A team must consist of 5-6 students in grades 9-12.
• Teams usually divide the workload by having one student become the subject expert in one of the five knowledge areas.
• Teams are encouraged to work with local resource professionals to enhance their learning.
• The competition structure includes four written tests (forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology, and soils and land use), completed as a team in the field, and one team oral presentation (current environmental issues).
• Team coordinators may be a teacher or a community volunteer.

The 2026 Nova Scotia Envirothon

The 2026 Nova Scotia Envirothon will be hosted by Acadia University and the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre on May 21 and 22, 2026. The cost to register a team is $300, which covers accommodations, food, t-shirts, and competition programming for the entire team and a teacher.

Program History

The Envirothon program was first established in Pennsylvania in 1979 under the name Environmental Olympics. By 1988, the program name had changed to Envirothon, and participants from three states were attending the annual competition. In 1991, Nova Scotia was the first Canadian team to participate. The international competition is very rigorous, and in 2002, Nova Scotia achieved its first top ten placing with a team from Digby Regional High School.

A Lasting Impact

Each year, Envirothon positively influences the lives of thousands of young people across the U.S., Canada, and China. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, staff of cooperating agencies, teachers, and advisors, enthusiastic students, and valuable support and sponsorship from organizations, the Envirothon has proven to be an exciting and useful tool for educating the next generation of conservationists. Since its beginnings in 1979, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in the Envirothon, and many have gone on to successful careers in the environment and/or natural resources.

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Overview:

Acadia University is a renowned Canadian university established in 1838. It is consistently ranked as the top primarily undergraduate university in Nova Scotia and among the best in Canada. Acadia offers a unique experience compared to larger universities, with smaller class sizes, more interaction with professors, and opportunities for undergraduate research or co-op work terms.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Acadia provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students. The smaller size fosters a tight-knit community, allowing students to create a sense of home away from home. The campus is walkable, with most students living in residence or within a mile of campus. Acadia offers a range of student life supports, including academic advising, accessible learning services, tutoring, career and experiential learning, health and wellness services, housing and dining options, and campus life activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Small class sizes and personalized attention:

Acadia's smaller size allows for more individual attention from professors and a more intimate learning environment.

Opportunities for undergraduate research and co-op work terms:

Acadia provides students with opportunities to engage in research and gain practical experience through co-op programs.

Welcoming and supportive community:

The tight-knit community at Acadia fosters a sense of belonging and provides students with a strong support system.

Beautiful campus and town setting:

Acadia's campus is located in the charming town of Wolfville, offering a picturesque and walkable environment.

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Academic Programs:

Acadia offers over 200 combinations of degree programs across the faculties of Arts, Professional Studies, Pure and Applied Sciences, and Theology. Many programs include Honours or Co-op Education options.

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Other:

Acadia University is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw nation.