This year the Norwin Envirothon team competed at Twin Lakes on April 24, 2025. Every year, the team competes in different categories ranging from: aquatics, forestry, soils, and wildlife, as well as an additional current issue this year being Roots of Resiliency – Forestry in a Canopy of Change. Norwin’s team placed 1st in wildlife, forestry, and the current issue, and overall placed 2nd out of 17 teams from 10 Westmoreland County school districts.

The Envirothon competition challenges students to learn about wildlife, forestry, soils, aquatics, and current environmental issues.  Envirothon Club teaches students about the environment and conservation of natural resources through hands-on challenges and experiences. Student teams compete in aquatics, forestry, soils, and wildlife and an additional current issue each spring at Twin Lakes Park. 

“My team of Carmela Lio, Zack Egnitz, Scarlett Vesely, and Alli Schon won 2nd place overall in the competition at Twin Lakes,” said co-secretary Grace Fleckenstein. “Last Thursday, there were over 18 teams that competed in the competition with most schools having two teams that competed (including Norwin). We also won 1st place in three of the five categories, including Wildlife, Forestry, and the Current Issue (which was Roots of Resiliency–Forestry and Climate Change). Every year at Twin Lakes, each team goes around the park to five different stations: Forestry, Wildlife, Current Issue, Aquatics, and Soils. Each station has multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank style questions for each team to answer, and a few fieldwork questions as well. For example, at the soil station, teams must figure out what the primary component of the soil is (clay, silt, sand, etc) while at the forestry station, the team must identify a nearby tree and an invasive plant.”

“The Envirothon team meets regularly throughout the year to learn about each of the station topics,” said Mrs. Joyce Muchoney, Envirothon Club advisor.

The team consists of hardworking individuals who put all their work and effort into the competition at Twin Lakes Park. Their hard work paid off as the team placed 1st in four different areas, but struggled this year with the aquatics station. Still the team has many strengths with all students, and the help of returning seniors, giving in there all.

Being in the Envirothon gives students many benefits, experiences, and a family of people who all share a love for the environment. Students on the team get hands-on experiences, knowledge in a variety of environmental issues or topics, and friendships built on the love for nature. The competitions are loads of fun and offer valuable experiences for anyone interested in a potential environmental career.

“My favorite thing about Envirothon is the shared passion that we all have for the environment and the preservation of nature,” said Fleckesnstein. “Everyone in Envirothon truly cares so much about the future of our world, and I have built so many meaningful friendships through this great club. The ability to go outside and advocate for environmental education at a local level by participating in the Envirothon Competition is something that I will cherish after high school is over.”

The Envirothon team is constantly looking and excited to have new members!

“If students are interested in hunting, fishing, farming, and/or environmental science, then the Envirothon might be a great fit.  Interested students can join our Google Classroom using the Code: j47zzuz, or they can email me at [email protected],” said Muchoney.