Charter School of Wilmington Team B is the winner of the 2016 Delaware Envirothon competition held April 28 at Brecknock Park in Camden, marking the school’s 17th win in the event’s 20-year history, including an unbroken winning streak since 2002. Charter’s Team A finished second and Middletown High School placed third in the Envirothon competition.
The 20 competing Envirothon teams worked hard all school year to prepare for the environmental challenge. Each team answered questions, reviewed specimens and took measurements in topics dealing with aquatic ecology, soils/land-use, wildlife, forestry, air quality and the current environmental issue of invasive species. Teams also had to give a five- to seven-minute oral presentation on a scenario on effectively managing the invasive species emerald ash borer, which attacks and kills native ash tree species in Delaware. After more than three hours of testing, Charter School of Wilmington Team B was crowned the 2016 state champion.
Each member of the winning team earned a $500 scholarship from the Delaware Envirothon, a $100 gift card and other prizes. The winning team will also receive an award plaque for their school. The second, third and fourth place teams received more than $1,670 in special team awards and cash prizes.
Since its inception, the Delaware Envirothon has awarded $52,500 in scholarships to 105 students. It is hosted by the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts (DACD), a voluntary, non-profit association that coordinates conservation efforts statewide to focus on natural resource issues identified by Delaware’s three local districts.
