ENVIROTHON is a problem solving, natural resource education program for high school students. In the field, teams of students are challenged to use critical thinking skills and work as a team to answer written questions and conduct hands-on investigation of environmental issues in five categories -- WATER, SOILS, FORESTRY, WILDLIFE AND A CURRENT ISSUE DEALING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT.

The multi-county competition between Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties has a sixth topic, the INDIAN RIVER LAGOON. The lagoon is a major part of our regional economy and requires protection by every individual. This section will supply students with the fundamental knowledge necessary to make important decisions to support the protection of the Lagoon.

Tomorrow's problems will be more challenging, but the solutions will be more apparent if students are encouraged to become environmentally aware, action-oriented adults who learn where to go for answers.

ENVIROTHON stimulates, reinforces and enhances students' interest in the environment and our natural resources. It presents an opportunity to match wits with peers to realize and accept responsibility as stewards of the land.

The concept was created by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts as an outdoor hands-on competition. From "Environmental Olympics," the concept expanded to other states; and when the national competition was added in 1988, the name was changed to Canon ENVIROTHON. Today, most U.S. States and Canadian Provinces participate in the ENVIROTHON in this unique approach to environmental education, and it's fun! Reaching more than 500,000 students across North America each year.

The continuing success of the program reflects the participation and support of the four county Soil and Water Conservation Districts(SWCD), environmentally active groups, various state and federal agencies, as well as the four county school districts. Doreen Pinkerton, retired Indian River SWCD, was a key person to initiate and implement the Indian River Lagoon Envirothon. Her efforts have led to the education of over 1200 Treasure Coast students over the past eleven years.