P.E.I. Envirothon seeks advisors to guide students in outdoor science

Prince Edward Island's Envirothon program is looking for adults to serve as team advisors, saying the role helps students study forestry, aquatics, wildlife and soils through hands-on outdoor learning in local forests, fields and communities. The Department of Land and Environment, Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division issued the call in a notice dated Oct. 19.¹

The program says it bridges the gap between the classroom and nature by bringing science and sustainability lessons into local forests, fields and communities. Through experiential learning and a team environment, students deepen their understanding of ecology and build problem-solving skills, the department said.¹

Advisors guide students through inquiry-based learning aligned with science curricula in subjects such as environmental science, forestry and agriculture, according to the notice. The department lists benefits including working with motivated conservation-minded students, accessing professional workshops and resources, and fostering critical thinking and teamwork for future careers in sectors such as resource management and research.¹

On the question of time, the department said advisors guide and support while students take the lead. It recommends at least two advisors per school and suggests co-advising with a colleague or engaging community volunteers. Advisors could also be a parent or guardian, the notice says.¹

Advisors receive study materials, virtual workshops, guest speaker connections and hands-on field day opportunities, according to the department. Study materials for each core topic are available online at any time and will be updated periodically as necessary, it said. The department added that advisors have found it useful to arrange guest speakers to discuss more specialized areas of the program's topics.¹

To get started, the department asks interested educators to work with their principal or contact the P.E.I. Envirothon coordinator. The notice names Kelley Farrar as coordinator and provides contact details at the Department of Land and Environment, Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division in Charlottetown.¹

The notice does not state how many schools currently field Envirothon teams, how many advisors are needed, whether advisors are paid, or whether the program operates in other provinces and territories. It also does not give a deadline for applications or say when the next season begins.¹