The New Jersey Envirothon, an annual scholastic competition, continues to inspire and educate the next generation of environmental stewards. This dynamic event challenges high school students to delve into critical environmental topics, fostering a deeper understanding of our natural world and the complex issues facing it. The Ocean County Soil Conservation District (OCSCD) is proud to be a long-standing supporter and active participant in this vital program, playing a key role in the competition’s success.
Each year, teams of high school students from across New Jersey gather to test their knowledge and problem-solving skills in five core environmental areas: Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife, and Current Issue. The competition emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application, encouraging students to think critically about real-world environmental challenges.
OCSCD assists as the co-coordinator for the Wildlife Station at the New Jersey Envirothon. This involves developing challenging and engaging questions that test students’ understanding of wildlife identification, habitat management, conservation principles, and ecological relationships. Questions are based on each year’s theme. The theme for 2025 is “Roots and Resiliency – Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change”.
This year, the New Jersey Envirothon once again showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of students, with MATES Academy (Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science) demonstrating their unparalleled expertise. MATES Academy, Team 1, secured First Place, while MATES Academy, Team 2, earned a commendable Second Place. This outstanding achievement highlights the consistent commitment to environmental education at MATES. MATES Team 1 will represent New Jersey at the National Envirothon Competition set to take place at Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on July 20 – 26, 2025. Good Luck MATES!
We had the opportunity to speak with Dave Werner, co-advisor for the MATES teams, alongside Adam Sprague, to gain some insights into their enduring success and the significance of the Envirothon.
When asked about MATES’ history with the Envirothon, Dave Werner shared, “MATES has been competing in the NJ Envirothon since it started in 1994. Dr. John Wnek was the original MATES coach, until Adam Sprague and I took over in 2004.” Mr. Werner even has a personal connection to the event, revealing, “As a high school student myself, I actually competed with the OCVTS Envirothon team in 1997 and we took 3rd place!” This long-standing engagement underscores the deep roots and passion for environmental science cultivated at MATES.
Their consistent performance is truly impressive. On the subject of first-place finishes, Werner proudly stated, “This is our 11th first place win.” This remarkable record speaks volumes about the dedication of both the students and their advisors.
Werner detailed their tenure as advisors: “I coached a team at Oakcrest High School from 2002-2004 before I began coaching the MATES team in 2004 alongside Adam Sprague and John Wnek. Adam and I took over as co-advisors since then.” Their combined experience and commitment have clearly fostered a winning environment.
The importance of the Envirothon, both for students and the environment, was a central theme in our conversation. Dave Werner articulated, “The NJ Envirothon is an incredible program that encourages students to get outside and study the environment. At MATES we focus a lot on hands-on field experiences and that is why our students do so well at the Envirothon.” This emphasis on experiential learning is precisely what makes the Envirothon so impactful, providing students with practical knowledge and skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Regarding their training methodology, Werner offered a modest yet insightful perspective: “The students at MATES are self-motivated and Adam and I provide them the opportunities to expand their knowledge. We are very fortunate to have students that want to learn about their local environment.” This highlights the crucial role of dedicated educators in nurturing student curiosity and providing the resources for independent exploration. It’s a testament to the students’ innate desire to understand and protect their surroundings.
Werner also shared a personal reflection on this year’s win: “This year was bittersweet for me because it was my daughter’s last year competing in the NJ Envirothon. This year was her 3rd straight win for MATES!” This touching detail underscores the multi-generational impact of the Envirothon, fostering a love for the environment that can span families and endure for years.
The New Jersey Envirothon stands as a testament to collaborative environmental education. Its continued success is fueled by the vital support of numerous partners, including the Ocean County Soil Conservation District, its 13 sister Soil Conservation Districts across the state, and the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts. This robust network, alongside the consistent excellence of participating schools like MATES Academy, empowers young people with the knowledge, skills, and passion needed to address the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future. The OCSCD extends its sincere congratulations to all participants and looks forward to another inspiring Envirothon season in 2026!