Calgary, Alberta – On July 25, the Massachusetts Envirothon team, from Lexington High School, Lexington, MA, was named the champion of the 2025 National Conservation Foundation-Envirothon, an international environmental and natural resources academic competition for high school students. This year, students focused on “Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change,” which invited students to explore forest ecosystems, climate impacts, and sustainable management through hands-on learning and team collaboration.
Throughout the week-long competition, students demonstrated their knowledge of soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife management, and the current issue through written tests and prepared oral presentations. This year’s competition brought together 51 teams of high school students from across the U.S., Canada, and China.
“It’s an honor to congratulate the winning team of the 36th annual NCF-Envirothon,” said NCF Executive Director Jeremy Peters. “These students didn’t just compete—they led. Their passion for sustainability and science inspires hope for the future and reminds us that the next wave of environmental innovators is already making its mark.”
The 2025 competition was made possible thanks to many supporters, including the generous sponsorship provided through a grant from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA). Four forestry companies—Canfor, Foothills Forest Products, Weyerhaeuser, and West Fraser—generously sponsored this project with their FRIAA Forest Resource Improvement Program funds.
The competition was further supported by a broader community of sponsors, including the Alberta Envirothon Foundation, Smithfield Foods, Inc., and Canon U.S.A., Inc.
The winning teams were awarded a total of $50,000 in scholarships and prizes, with the top three teams receiving $30,000, which was donated by Smithfield Foods.
The top 10 teams from the competition are:
| Place | Team | City, State/Province/Partner Nation |
| 1 | Massachusetts | Lexington High School, Lexington, MA |
| 2 | Maryland | North Harford High School, Pylesville, MD |
| 3 | New York | The Mount Academy, Esopus, NY |
| 4 | North Carolina | Enloe High School, Raleigh, NC |
| 5 | New Mexico | Hot Springs High School, Truth or Consequences, NM |
| 6 | Indiana | Warsaw High School, Warsaw, IN |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | Penncrest High School, Delaware County, PA |
| 8 | Minnesota | Minnetonka High School, Minnetonka, MN |
| 9 | Texas | South Texas Science Academy, Mercedes, TX |
| 10 | Virginia | Jamestown High School, Williamsburg, VA |
A complete list of awards can be found here.
The National Conservation Foundation (NCF) is a 501(c)3 organization that aims to identify and advance strategic programs and partnerships to deliver conservation solutions through locally led conservation and to develop the next generation of conservation leaders. NCF-Envirothon is a program of NCF. Visit the NCF website to learn more.
NCF-Envirothon is a hands-on, environmental problem-solving competition that builds leadership skills for high school students grades 9-12 (ages 14-19) in the United States, Canada, China and Singapore. NCF-Envirothon’s mission is to educate students about the environment and conservation of natural resources through hands-on outdoor experiences, academic study and collaborative competitions. The program educates future stewards, promotes E-STEM (environment, science, technology, engineering and math) education, creates community awareness and fosters appreciation and respect for the natural world. Visit the NCF-Envirothon website to learn more.