The National Conservation Foundation Kicks Off the 2026 Envirothon Competition in Starkville, Mississippi

Starkville, Mississippi – The National Conservation Foundation, in partnership with the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission, is welcoming students, educators, volunteers, and conservation professionals to the 2026-NCF Envirothon, an international environmental competition that empowers high school students to tackle real-world challenges through hands-on learning and teamwork.

Hosted at Mississippi State University, staff and volunteers have welcomed over 200 students from 43 teams representing 41 states and two provinces in North America to deepen their understanding of environmental issues while building relationships with peers and professionals who share a passion for conservation. This year’s theme, “Non-point Source Pollution: It Begins at Home,” will challenge participants to consider how their everyday actions impact water quality, ecosystems, and community health.

“Each year, Envirothon gives students an opportunity to explore solutions to environmental challenges,” said Jennifer Brooks, NCF-Envirothon Program Manager. “The experiences they gain extend far beyond the competition itself. They build connections, form leadership skills, and understand how they can make a difference in the future of conservation.”

Over the coming days, students will have the opportunity to compete in various field events, written tests, and oral presentations to broaden their knowledge. These activities will be focused on five key subject areas: soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and current issues. 

The 2026 NCF-Envirothon will conclude with an awards ceremony on July 24, recognizing outstanding student achievement and celebrating the dedication of the volunteers, educators, and professionals who make the program possible. More than $50,000 in scholarships and awards will be presented to the winning teams. The top three teams, oral presentations and the winning team announcement will be livestreamed on NCF’s YouTube channel.

The National Conservation Foundation extends its appreciation to the sponsors, partners, and volunteers who continue to make this experience possible.

The NCF-Envirothon team is excited to welcome all students, advisors, guests, and volunteers to this year’s competition. For more information and how to get involved, visit 2026 NCF-Envirothon Mississippi.

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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.