2016 North American Envirothon Celebrates and Supports Young Environmental Leaders

PETERBOROUGH, ON, July 21, 2016 /CNW/ - The 2016 North American Envirothon Championship kicks off on July 24^th at Trent University. The event will launch with opening ceremonies featuring a celebration of local culture and an official welcome from Peterborough Mayor Darryl Bennett. More than 250 students as well as teachers and volunteers representing more than 50 states and provinces will join Forests Ontario for the five day event supporting environmental stewardship among North America's youth.

Forests Ontario invites media outlets to join us for the opening ceremonies. Participants and program leaders will be available for interviews and photographs.

WHAT:	The 2016 North American Envirothon Championship Opening Ceremonies.
	Full agenda and more information at the Forests Ontario website.
WHO:	Hosted by Forests Ontario in partnership with Trent University.
	More than 250 students participating from across North America.
WHEN:	July 24^th, 2016, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Opening Ceremony)
	July 28^th, 2016, 7:00 pm (Closing/Awards Ceremony)
WHERE:	Trent University
	Peterborough, Ontario

Envirothon is a team-based competition for high school students who love the outdoors. Every year, 500,000 students, teachers and volunteers participate in local competitions to build knowledge in core environmental topics (forests, soils, wildlife, and aquatics) through hands-on learning led by professionals in each field. Students then work to complete a series of challenges centered on addressing key environmental issues and caring for natural ecosystems. The top team in each region progresses to the NAE Championship. The winner of the 2016 NAE will be announced on Thursday July 28^th and will be awarded a scholarship prize from Smithfield Foods.

Envirothon inspires participants to be more aware of how our actions impact our environment and prepares students to pursue studies and careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This year's NAE will also include a keynote address from Natalie Panek, rocket scientist with MDA's Robotics and Automation division.

About Forests Ontario
Forests Ontario is the voice for our forests. Working to promote a future of healthy forests sustaining healthy people, Forests Ontario is committed to the re-greening of Ontario through tree planting efforts on rural lands and in urban areas, as well as the renewal and stewardship of Ontario's forests through restoration, education and awareness. Visit www.forestsontario.ca or follow us @Forests_Ontario.

SOURCE Forests Ontario

Image with caption: "2016 NAE Quick Facts: • 260 students • 150 visitors and advisors • 51 provinces and states • 7 provinces, 44 states • Prizes: $30,000 USD [$15,000 for top team ($3,000 each), $10,000 2nd team ($2,000 each) and $5,000 3rd place ($1,000 each)] (CNW Group/Forests Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160721_C4366_PHOTO_EN_739507.jpg

Image with caption: "Natalie Panak is the opening speaker at this year's North American Envirothon hosted by Forests Ontario. She's a rocket scientist, adventurer and advocate for women in technology. Recently named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women and recipient of the Forbes '30 Under 30' award, Natalie is chasing her life-long dream of becoming an astronaut. From building and driving the first solar powered vehicle across North America at the age of 20, to interning at NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center where she worked on a mission to Mars, Natalie has some extraordinary stories to share. (CNW Group/Forests Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160721_C4366_PHOTO_EN_739509.jpg

For more information, photos or to arrange an interview please contact: Jessica Kaknevicius, Director of Forest Education & Awareness, Forests Ontario, 416.646.1193 x.226, Cell: 647.222.5377, [email protected]; Jeannette Holder, Communications Manager, Forests Ontario, 416.646.1193 ext. 257, Cell: 416.522-8140, [email protected]