2026-27 Maine Envirothon Competition Updates
Welcome to the new Maine Envirothon updates page! This page will be used to share important program information, including competition rule updates, registration information, training opportunities, event dates, and other announcements for teams, advisors, and schools participating in Maine Envirothon.
For the 2026–27 competition season, several updates have been made to the Maine Envirothon competition rules. These changes are based on feedback from the 2026 Envirothon Post Regional Questionnaire, which was sent to participating schools following the regional competitions, and are intended to provide additional clarity, flexibility, and preparation guidance for teams and advisors.
Updated State Competition Eligibility and Team Substitutions
Previously, teams advancing from regional competitions to the State competition were required to remain intact, with only the registered alternate eligible to substitute if needed.
The updated rules now allow students from another registered Envirothon team from the same school to participate on a State-qualifying team if needed. Students must have participated in the current year's Maine Envirothon program to be eligible for the State competition.
This change provides additional flexibility for schools while maintaining the integrity of the competition and ensuring all State competitors have participated in the current season.
Updated State Competition Qualification Process
The process for qualifying for the State competition has been updated.
Previously, teams qualified by either:
Placing first at their regional competition; or
Achieving a minimum combined score of 70% (350 points) across all five topics at their regional competition.
The updated qualification process is:
The top two teams at each regional competition; OR
The four highest-scoring teams across all regional competitions that did not place first or second in their regional competition.
If a qualifying team declines or is unable to attend the State competition, the invitation will be offered to the next highest-scoring team, continuing through the top fifteen overall teams if necessary.
Updated International Envirothon Competition Information
The International Envirothon section has been expanded to better communicate important requirements and responsibilities for teams that advance beyond the State competition.
The updated rules now include key information from the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Envirothon competition requirements, including the five-student team requirement. If the winning State team has fewer than five students, the winning school may designate students from another registered Envirothon team from the same school to complete the five-member team.
Additional responsibilities for the winning team are also clarified, including:
Confirming participation within the required timeframe;
Completing required paperwork;
Planning appropriate chaperone coverage for all student genders;
Ensuring students and advisors have passports if the International Competition is held outside the United States; and
Planning for travel-related expenses and guest fees.
MACD covers the winning Maine team's International Envirothon registration fee. However, the winning team is responsible for arranging and paying for travel costs and other related expenses.
Teams and advisors are encouraged to review the complete updated competition rules before participating in the 2027 Maine Envirothon season.