May 29–30, 2025 — Acadia University proudly hosted the annual Nova Scotia Envirothon, welcoming ten high school teams from across the province to compete for the 2025 provincial title. This hands-on environmental science competition continues to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

What is Envirothon?

The Nova Scotia Envirothon is part of the NCF (National Conservation Foundation) Envirothon, a North America–wide program that engages students in Grades 9 through 12 in experiential learning centered on environmental science and natural resource management.

Participants are tested in core areas including aquatics, forestry, soils, and wildlife. In addition to these field tests, students work in teams to develop a solution to a real-world environmental issue through a case study, which they present to a panel of judges. This year’s case study theme was Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change, with Nova Scotia’s competition focusing on the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA).

In addition to the competition, students had opportunity to learn about Chimney Swift Monitoring, hear lectures about Hemlock Wolly Adelgid management and research, participate in team building activities, learn about native plants in the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, and tour research facilities in the K.C. Irving Centre. 

Congratulations to the 2025 Provincial Champions

The 2025 Provincial Champions are Team A from Cobequid Education Centre. Congratulations to team members Norah McLaughlin, Becca Cook, Andrea Bacalu, Perdida Brown and Kayla Burke, Blair Lambert, along with their teacher Mr. Aaron Elser. 

The reserve champions are from Northeast Kings Education Centre. Congratulations to the team members Josh Tshimanga, Nico Kay Ayla, Thomas Duke, Aidan Langille, Kay Johnson, Jenna Forsythe, and their teacher Ms. Jennifer Healy. 

The third place team is from Dartmouth High. Congratulations to team members Elizabeth Tia, John Cleat, Celine Hoyeck, Charlotte Wright, Jimmy Tia and teachers Ms. Sarah Conde and Ms. Robyn Pennell.

All participating students demonstrated exceptional professionalism, kindness and collaborative spirit. Judges and volunteers were impressed by the students’ teamwork and excitement for environmental science. 

Thank you to our volunteers and sponsors 

Nova Scotia Envirothon is grateful to the 30+ volunteers that made our 2025 event a success. Representatives from Nova Scotia Department of Resources and Renewables, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, Acadia University, Dalhousie University, and Ducks Unlimited Canada gave time to this event. 

Our case study portion of the event was created by Shayla Nickerson of the Nova Scotia Working Woodlands Trust. Shayla also joined us as a judge, saying “I was impressed that everyone recognized there isn’t just one solution to HWA and that it takes a blend of multiple approaches to tackle difficult problems. It’s inspiring to know all these students are now part of a community of informed citizens when it comes to HWA management”. 

The K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Acadia University served as presenting sponsors. Additional support was generously provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, Forest Nova Scotia, Port Hawkesbury Paper, and Made with Local. 

Looking Ahead to the International Stage

As provincial champions, Cobequid Education Centre will represent Nova Scotia at the NCF Envirothon International Competition, taking place July 20–26, 2025, at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, hosted by Alberta Envirothon.

Best of luck to Team Nova Scotia!

Learn more about Nova Scotia Envirothon through this link for more details, photos and ways to get involved.