Species on the Edge 2.0
The Species on the Edge 2.0 Conservation Challenge empowers students to investigate endangered species in New Jersey, identify causes of their decline, and develop real-world solutions to protect them while raising public awareness and engaging in ecosystem preservation.
Short-eared owl by Rich Nicol
Education + Outreach
Species on the Edge 2.0
Conservation Challenge
Thank you to all of the students, educators, mentors, and supporters who participated in the 2026 Species on the Edge 2.0 Conservation Challenge!
Your creativity, passion, and dedication to protecting New Jersey’s threatened and endangered wildlife made this year’s challenge a tremendous success. Through your multimedia video presentations, you explored real-world conservation issues and helped raise awareness about the species and habitats that need our attention most.
The Species on the Edge 2.0 Conservation Challenge is a student-led program that invites high school teams to create multimedia presentations focused on threatened and endangered species native to New Jersey. Guided by facilitators—including teachers, parents, business leaders, and other trusted adults—students developed innovative solutions and shared their unique perspectives on conservation.
We are grateful to everyone who participated and supported this year’s challenge. Thank you again for helping inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.
First Place
Operation Bobcat / Science Park High School / Newark Public Schools
Second Place
Nexus Marine Robotics / J.P. Stevens High School / Edison Public Schools
Third Place
The Barnes Boys / Metuchen High School / Metuchen Public Schools
Thank you to our sponsors
