The event, which brings together middle and high school students to tackle real-world environmental challenges, featured teams from Eisenhower Middle High School, Sheffield High School, Tidioute Community Charter School, Warren Area High School, and Youngsville Middle High School.

Students competed in five hands-on testing stations covering Forestry, Soils, Aquatics, Wildlife, and a Current Issue. This year’s current issue theme was “Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change.” Each team rotated through the stations, spending 35 minutes per stop with a maximum of 100 points available at each.

Taking first place in the varsity division was Tidioute Community Charter School, advised by Matt Irons. The winning team, named the “Kreepy Krustaceans,” included students Lauren Zahner, Darrion Craig, Cameron Kibbey and Lainey Devore.

Finishing second in the varsity division were the “Scat Scarfers” from Youngsville High School, advised by Jolene Johnson-Olewine and comprised of Michael Carnahan, Kale Jespersen, Tydus Chase and Carsyn Branstrom. The third place team, the Warren Woodcocks from Warren Area High School, advised by Kyle Wingard, included Jacob Retterer, Zane Carlson, Lucille Harrison, Alivia Hallas and Christopher Orth while the fourth place Purple Platypi from Youngsville High School, also advised by Johnson-Olewine, included team members Paige Stover, Gabby Hodak, Caitlyn Pikna and Riley Lauger.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer The first picture is the Varsity winners from Tidioute Community Charter School. From left to right are Lauren Zahner, Darrion Craig, Cameron Kibbey and Lainey DeVore.

The Primary Marsupial from Eisenhower Middle School, advised by Phillip Heubach, featuring Shawnee Alcorn, Madison Rutkowski, Fiona Cook and Alianna Eckstrom finished first in the junior varsity division with the Silly Squirrels from Youngsville Middle School, advised by Kelsey Fadale, finishing second with team members Sophia Scott, Allison Hackman, Lily Tarr and Mackenzie Hodak. The third place team was the Sunny Sunflowers from Youngsville Middle School, also advised by Fadale, featuring Ava Young, Adelyn McDonald, Ashlyn Zimmerman and Kaden Moore. The Sassy Sasquatches from Youngsville Middle School, again under Fadale’s guidance, finished fourth with team members Jacob Battko, Collin Havers, Wyatt Walters, Jonathan Sullivan and Mikah Benton.

The Warren County Envirothon is part of a nationwide competition series that challenges students to think critically about natural resource conservation while promoting environmental stewardship. Winning teams often advance to regional or state-level competitions for the chance to compete nationally.

For more information on the Warren County Envirothon, contact the Warren County Conservation District or visit www.wcconservation.net.