An Envirothon is a competition, like a marathon. But instead of jogging, students run through a series of tests about the environment. Topics include aquatics, forestry, land use, wildlife, soil, and this year's special topic - introduced species and their effect on biodiversity.

Program coordinator Laurell Stake explains how the event works. "They rotate through a series of five testing stations, and that's where they take written tests," she says. "There could also be hands-on experiments that they have to perform to get the answer. There's a lot of though provoking and decision making questions that are included on those tests."

Stake says the Envirothon provides an academic and creative outlet for many Pennsylvania students.

"Many students are interested in sports or other academics," she says. "But this is an opportunity for students who are interested in outdoor activities or just the environment and biology itself, it's an opportunity for them to use those talents and express their knowledge."

The winner of the state competition will move on to the nationals. Last year's winning team at the national Envirothon was from North East High School in Erie County, Pennsylvania.