MAYVILLE – The 35th annual Chautauqua County Envirothon was held at Boy Scouts of America’s Camp Merz. An absolutely stunning sunny day fueled the competitive spirits of the 13 competing schools, comprising 24 different teams. Students spent the day answering environmentally-based questions focused around the core areas of wildlife, forestry, soils, aquatics and a current issue.

The Envirothon, an environmental competition for students in grades nine to 12, held its first competition in New York in the spring of 1979. Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District hosted its first Envirothon for the County in 1990. This program continues to be a wonderful opportunity for students to get out of the classroom and develop skills in nature.

The 2025 overall winner placings are as follows: Chautauqua Lake Team II in first place, Hewes I in second, and Chautauqua Lake Team I in third. The winning team was coached by Mary Jantzi. The winning team member names are Nathan Henry, Dayne Jantzi, Devin Kelsey, Logan Ludwig, Chris Lukasiak, Lincoln Smith, and Matt Swanson. Truly though, everyone ended up winners. All competing teams, coaches and volunteers received locally printed t-shirts to commemorate this event.

Also, awards will be given for high scores in the individual categories. Dunkirk II scored first in the soils category. Southwestern II was first in wildlife, and Westfield I was first in forestry. Hewes II placed first in the aquatics category, and Southwestern I placed first in the current issue. Chautauqua Lake team II will now travel to SUNY Cortland May 28 to 29 to represent Chautauqua County in the New York State Envirothon.

The Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District would like to give special thanks to Allegheny Foothills Chapter. NYFOA, American Legion Post 434, Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmens, Chautauqua Lake Fishing Assoc. Inc., Conewango Creek Watershed Assn., Double A Vineyards, Ecostrategies Civil Engineering PLLC, Jamestown Cycle Shop, Jamestown Macadam, Inc., Laumer & DeAngelo Fessenden, Northern Chaut. Conservation Club, Ripley Rod & Gun Club, Inc., Gymnastic society of polish falcons inc., Lictus Keystone Inc., Rock Hill Engineering LLC, Westfield Fish & Game Club, Inc.