LINCOLN, Nebraska – Between Feb. 3-5, Nebraska high school students competed around the state during a virtual regional Envirothon competition demonstrating natural resources knowledge by identifying trees, labeling fish anatomy and determining soil structure.

The winning teams from each Envirothon region as well as eight wildcards – selected based on their competition scores – qualify to compete at state. This year’s state qualifiers include:

• Milford 1
• Arthur County
• Ord 1
• Concordia 1
• Sidney 3
• Burwell
• Norris 3
• Norris 1
• Pender 2
• St. Paul
• Ainsworth 1
• Tri-County 1
• Chambers
• Sidney 2

Traditionally, Nebraska’s six regional Envirothon competitions are hosted in conjunction with district agriculture education contests. Due to the pandemic, the contest went virtual with teams taking online, timed tests. High school students compete on five-member teams in seven environmental areas including: soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife, range, policy and a current environmental issue.

Qualifying teams will compete at the Nebraska Envirothon, which is currently scheduled for Lake Wanahoo near Wahoo, Nebraska, April 28. During the state competition, teams compete in hands-on environmental testing stations as well as prepare and deliver an oral problem-solving presentation focusing on “Water Resources Management: Local Control, Local Solutions.”

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Foundation awards cash prizes to the top three teams at the state competition:

• First Place: $1,500
• Second Place: $1,000
• Third Place: $500

The Nebraska Envirothon Steering Committee recognizes the extenuating circumstances due to COVID-19, and will follow guidance from federal, state and local officials regarding the virus and whether a virtual alternative of the State Envirothon will be necessary.

Learn more about the Nebraska Envirothon at www.nrdnet.org/nebraska-envirothon.