(April 29, 2025) - More than 180 students and teachers from schools in Westchester, Putnam and Ulster counties took part in the 2025 Westchester County Regional Envirothon on Friday, April 25 at Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Fourteen public and private high schools were represented by 30 teams. Each competed in the prestigious Envirothon, which tested their knowledge of environmental topics including Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, Current Issue - Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Stewardship in a Canopy of Change, Aquatic Ecology and an Oral Presentation on the Current Issue.
You may also watch a video of the awards ceremony on YouTube.
The winners were Rye Neck, 8R in Forestry, Scarsdale, 6R in Soils and Land Use, Fox Lane, 23R in Wildlife, Lincoln High School, 19R in Current Issue, Rye High School 10R in Aquatic Ecology and Rye Country Day 11R in Oral Presentation. Mount Academy 16L was the overall champion, Rye Neck 8 is the Westchester County winner, Mahopac 17 is the Putnam County winner, and Mount Academy 16 is the Ulster County winner.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “The students’ passion for environmental issues are inspiring. They presented and discussed a wide range of conservation topics with confidence and skill. Congratulations to overall champion, Mount Academy 16L, and to Rye Neck 8, who will represent Westchester County at the New York State Envirothon, and to everyone who participated.”
Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said: “Croton Point Park’s rich natural diversity and unique ecological features made it a fantastic setting for the Envirothon. With its Hudson River views, wetlands and historical significance, it’s a living classroom for ecological science.”
Westchester County Planning Commissioner Blanca P. Lopez said, “Envirothon is a truly unique educational and competitive program that unites students from various school districts across Westchester and Putnam counties. This collaboration allows them to engage with professionals from Westchester County’s Departments of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, and Planning on a range of important environmental and conservation issues. We are immensely grateful for the continued funding and support from the Soil and Water Conservation District, which has made this event possible once again. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the dedicated volunteers who generously assist students and teachers throughout this enriching day of learning.”
Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District Chair, Suzanne Nolan said, “We are honored to once again support the Annual Westchester Regional Envirothon. It has been inspiring to see the commitment of each student participant as they further their knowledge of the environment and resource management. Through the hands-on learning and collaboration with working environmental professionals who volunteer at the event, it’s both impressive and encouraging for the future of our county.”
The 2025 Westchester County Regional Envirothon was cosponsored by the Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District (a subdivision of the Westchester County Planning Department) and Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, with support from Soil and Water Conservation Districts: Rockland and Ulster Counties, Watershed Agricultural Council, Bronxville Rotary Club, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, Westchester Land Trust, Westchester Parks Foundation, Save the Sound, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Westchester County Office of Sustainability, Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities, and Rye Nature Center.