Celebrating 25 Years of Youth Environmental Leadership: Highlights from the 2025 Envirothon NB Competition
The 25th Annual Envirothon NB Competition, held May 4–5, 2025, was a milestone event celebrating environmental education, youth empowerment, and collaboration. Hosted at Mount Allison University in Sackville with field testing at Mapleton Park in Moncton, the weekend brought together ten dedicated student teams from across New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The PEI presence added valuable perspectives and strengthened Atlantic Canadian collaboration around youth environmental education.
This year’s theme, “Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change,” challenged students to tackle real-world environmental challenges while showcasing their teamwork, knowledge, and passion for stewardship.
More great event photos and our press release is available at the links below.
Teams rotated through four interactive field-testing stations:
Current Environmental Issue Presentation – teams developed and presented solutions to this year’s theme, combining research, critical thinking, and communication skills.
These outdoor field tests and presentations simulate real-world challenges faced by natural resource professionals, giving students authentic, hands-on experience in environmental science and teamwork.
1st Place – Stanley Consolidated School
Team Name: Wacky Wood Turtles
Team Members: Roland Brooks, Gideon Chamberlain, Emily Hood, Kennedy Green, Cole Hunter
Advisors: Rebecca Boone (a former Envirothon NB Champion!) and Brandon LeBlanc
This team will represent New Brunswick at the International NCF-Envirothon, hosted this July in Calgary, Alberta.
2nd Place – Saint Malachy’s Memorial High School
Team Name: Saint Mac’s Weed Wacks
Team Members: Sarah Daigle, Willow McGrath, Willow Pass, Gavyn Urguhart, Conor Wilson
Advisors: Aaron Abbott and Andrea McGrath
3rd Place – Caledonia Regional High School
Team Name: Soil Mates
Team Members: Gracie-Lynn Jackman, Lily MacDonald, Olivia O’Hara, Mya O’Neil-Johnston, Haiden Rushton
Advisors: Kate Godbout and Matt Dempsey
Full results and a competition photo album are available at https://envirothonnb.ca/.
Envirothon NB is a year-round environmental education program administered by the Canadian Woodlands Forum and guided by the expertise of the Envirothon NB Provincial Steering Committee. It offers students:
Now celebrating its 25th year, Envirothon NB has inspired thousands of youth across the province to explore careers in environmental science, forestry, biology, and sustainability.
Applied Learning – Students engage in meaningful, real-world science activities that extend beyond textbooks.
Awareness of Environmental Issues – With annually changing topics, students explore key concerns like climate change, natural resource management, sustainable land use, and biodiversity.
Collaboration & Critical Thinking – Teams tackle complex environmental scenarios that build communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Career & Post-Secondary Exposure – Participants connect with professionals in natural resources and explore environmental programs, scholarships, and post-secondary pathways.
A Like-Minded Community – Students meet peers and mentors who share a passion for environmental stewardship and action.
“The workshops are such a wonderful hands-on learning experience. The competition is a great culmination of all the learning. My favourite was the wildlife workshop hosted by Ducks Unlimited.” – Andrea McGrath, Team Advisor
“I wanted to be part of a team that’s passionate about education. I knew it was going to be fun!” – Grade 10 student
“The intensity of the workshops and the environment really encouraged my interest.” – Grade 11 student
“It’s a very good opportunity to strengthen presentation and critical thinking skills.” – Grade 11 student
“I loved the lectures and advice from field experts on future environmental studies.” – Grade 12 student
This milestone event would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of our community: This 25th anniversary was made possible thanks to the dedication of our Provincial Steering Committee and community of teachers, volunteers, judges, and families.
We also sincerely thank the NB Environmental Trust Fund for its continued and critical support in delivering high-quality environmental education to New Brunswick youth.
“Over the last 25 years, Envirothon NB has grown into one of the most impactful environmental education programs in the province. It helps students discover their potential, explore environmental careers, and take pride in becoming stewards of the land. We are incredibly proud of all they’ve accomplished.”
— Becky Geneau, Executive Director, Canadian Woodlands Forum
19-years of involvement and member of the International NCF-Envirothon Operating Committee
Whether you’re a student, teacher, community leader, or sponsor—Envirothon NB invites you to get involved. Learn more, join a club, or bring Envirothon into your school by visiting https://envirothonnb.ca.
Here’s to the next 25 years of environmental education, leadership, and stewardship!