Over the last two weeks, Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) hosted the 27th annual Manitoba Envirothon for the very first time, continuing its mission of fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and environmental awareness, bringing together hundreds of high-school students, teachers and volunteers.
What is The Manitoba Envirothon?
If you are like me and did not go to school in Manitoba or even in Canada for that matter, Envirothon might be totally new to you. It is a big deal! This is an annual STEM-based hands-on environmental education competition for high school students, designed to encourage an appreciation for current environmental issues.
Before MAW took it on, the competition was hosted by the Manitoba Forestry Association (MFA). With the successful transition from MFA to MAW inherited a passionate steering committee, 26 years of experience and a dedicated following. It is beloved by both students and teachers, many of whom competed in the Envirothon during their time in high school. This year, the Manitoba Envirothon was equipped with a new logo and, to signify MAW’s support and showcase the watershed districts’ commitment to environmental education and awareness, launched under the theme of Integrated Watershed Management.
How does it work?
At the Provincial level, there are several regional events hosted in different locations across the province where teams of 5 compete in a field test and give oral presentations. The winners of each region are invited to participate in the Manitoba Envirothon Provincial Competition, which in 2024 will be hosted at the International Peace Garden. The winners of the Provincial Event will have a chance to compete at the National Conservation Foundation Competition alongside winners from across Canada and the United States. The winners receive valuable prizes, including scholarships, but it truly seems like this is not the main draw for the majority of the competing teams.
So, what’s so special about it?
MAW’s website will tell you that Envirothon “combines the exhilaration of team competition, the challenge of learning about environmental issues, and the experience of using this knowledge in hands-on activities.” That’s great! But this competition is so much more than that. When asked to share their thoughts on the Envirothon, one of the teachers shared that he finds it amazing how students who might be struggling in the classroom setting come out of their shell, truly become part of their team and learn eagerly in the game format where hands on learning is king. I found this to be particularly crucial. If even one student walks away with a freshly sparked interest and appreciation for their natural surroundings and gets empowered to pursue higher education or career opportunities in environmental science, Envirothon has done its job. But I am certain it will be more than just one student.
“It’s a great first exposure to the things you are going to be working with in your career. Personally, I first used watershed maps there, and now I [work in watershed management]! Fantastic first introduction to some of the things you will be doing in a career.”
How did it go this year?
Places
A little bit like in real estate, much of the excitement of the Envirothon comes from “location, location, location”. Sometimes all it takes to spark the enjoyment and engagement is to be surrounded by the very thing you are studying. This year’s regional events were hosted in three different, but equally special places.
For the South Event we headed out to the Pinkerton Lakes Wildlife Refuge located in the Redboine Watershed District, south of Treherne. The Refuge was the home of an important bird breeding program back in the 70s, and now offers visitors an observation tower with lake view and a cozy hiking loop trail with plenty of wildlife sightings and a picnic shelter.
“My first time being here, really nice place. This is my first regional Envirothon as a teacher. I’ve done this competition as a student before which is awesome and exciting. And I don’t think it ever rained during regionals. It is very interesting to see in from the teacher’s side. A lot of the different knowledge and the way the test has changed over the years. I am just enjoying the time and there are so many great volunteers.”
The West Regional Event took place in Brandon, at the Riverbank Discovery Centre, which has hosted the Manitoba Envirothon West regional event since 2017. This green space was created in accordance with the Assiniboine River Corridor Master Plan, aimed at preserving the health and diversity of the Assiniboine River’s ecosystem. Though different from The Pinkerton Lakes, Brandon’s largest outdoor naturalized greenspace was equally beautiful with a variety of wildlife.
The Central Event (which included teams that travelled from the North and East regions as well) took place in at Fort Whyte Alive, Winnipeg’s urban wildlife preserve, recreational area, environmental education centre and home to Winnipeg’s prairie bison herd. Trail competition stations were set up along the Biodiversity trail (formerly known as Janice Raleigh Pond Trail), a 0.5 km looping through the picturesque ponds, hills and bridges.
On most days we were challenged by windy and drizzly weather, but the beautiful surroundings more than compensated for the inconvenience.
People
Location is important, but nothing would be possible without the people behind the scenes.
The Manitoba Envirothon is a volunteer endeavor. It is powered by an enthusiastic steering committee and a large support net of volunteers from different organizations, some of whom were a part of the competition for 20+ years. For instance, Redboine WD’s Justin Reid and Jennifer Corvino share more than a decade-long connection to the Manitoba Envirothon. And it is the passion for environmental education that motivated them coming back year after year.
“It has been interesting for me to be involved both as a teacher and advisor, and then since I retired, as a volunteer on a steering committee. The Envirothon is evolving, and I appreciate the energy that new people bring in. Envirothon is a very rich experience for students. They have lots of opportunity to work on their own, to learn how to study and problem-solve. They learn teamwork, they learn how to work through understanding complex material. Of the students that I coached for the Envirothon, virtually everyone says that the skills that they learned are valuable to them in their later life regardless of whether they went into environment related field or not. And many of them are still involved in environmental field.”
This year was MAW’s first introduction to the Envirothon. Kathryn Gibb, MAW’s Community Engagement Coordinator, also serves as the Manitoba Envirothon Coordinator. Kathryn coordinated the work of the Steering Committee and oversaw logistical aspects to ensure the smooth running of the events. She poured her heart into it, and it definitely showed.
The Watershed Districts played crucial roles throughout the event. They hosted, handled field test stations setup, skills training, provided study materials, and generally were everywhere where students, teachers and other volunteers needed them. As the program finds its home with MAW and within watershed districts, we are especially grateful to the staff and board members from Central Assiniboine, Pembina Valley, Redboine, Seine Rat Roseau, and Whitemud Watershed Districts, and board members from Central Assiniboine and Assiniboine West Watershed Districts for their support throughout the regional competitions.
This year's regional events were graced by several notable visitors. Mayor Jeff Fawcett of Brandon kicked off the West event with a morning visit, offering words of encouragement to the students as they embarked on the day's competition. The event was also attended by Tiffany Butler, Constituency Assistant for Grant Jackson, MLA Spruce Woods. Meanwhile, at the Central event, Tracy Schmidt, Manitoba's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Obby Khan, MLA for Fort Whyte, imparted inspiring messages to the participating teams, further energizing the atmosphere.
What’s next?
With the winners of the Regional Events announced, the momentum continues to build as we are heading for the Provincial Event at the International Peace Garden on May 23-25, 2024.
The winning team will have the opportunity to represent Manitoba on the national stage, showcasing their dedication and environmental prowess at the National Conservation Foundation Competition, to be held in Geneva, New York this summer. These next steps are not just about competitions; they are about fostering future environmental leaders and equipping them with the knowledge and passion to drive positive change. Our hope is that all the participants, whether winners or not, are leaving with a renewed passion for the environment, strengthened teamwork, and memories that will last a lifetime. MAW and Manitoba Watershed Districts are proud to stand behind the Manitoba Envirothon and these remarkable students and support them as they strive for excellence and work towards a sustainable future.
Get involved
The Envirothon’s success is indebted to the tireless dedication of volunteers, partners, and supporters. You can join us in this vital mission. Whether by volunteering, raising awareness, or donating, your contribution makes a tangible impact. Your support provides students with invaluable experiences, connecting them with nature and expanding their horizons. Sponsor or donate today to fuel the growth of the Manitoba Envirothon and ensure its legacy.
Learn more about donations and sponsorship opportunities. Volunteer your time and expertise to enrich the experience for students. Join us in nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders.