The Canon Envirothon is an exciting and fun way for high school students throughout North America to learn about the environment and the issues facing this and future generations.

Sponsored in partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other conservation agencies, the competition began in 1979. In 2008, more than 500,000 teenagers from 44 states and nine provinces participated in a year-long learning process combining in-class curriculum with hands-on field experiences to demonstrate the role people have in important environmental issues.

Diversity Enhancement and Underserved Audience Grants - this program helps local programs expand the diversity of student participation and/or reach audiences not previously involved in the competition.

The Canon Envirothon promotes environmental education through the development of knowledgeable, skilled and dedicated citizens who are willing to work together toward achieving and maintaining a natural balance between the quality of life and the quality of the environment.

Five-member teams from a high school or youth organization compete at local, regional and state/provincial competitions. Students are tested on five subjects: soil/land use, aquatic ecology, wildlife, forestry and a current environmental issue that changes annually. Winning teams go on to compete at the Canon Envirothon.

The top 10 teams at the Canon Envirothon are awarded Canon scholarships that can be used toward a four-year university, two-year college, or trade school.

Students back at the high schools and youth organizations are winners, too. Teams that finish from first through 15th place receive Canon products for their schools and organizations that are used for environmental education.