Conservation Education Resources
envirothon
The Georgia Envirothon is an exciting natural resource education program designed to challenge students in an interactive, outdoor competition where high school teams (consisting of 4-6 students) are tested in areas of Wildlife, Forestry, Aquatic Ecology, Soils and Land Use, and a Current Environmental Issue. Teams take written and hands-on tests outdoors and give presentations based on the chosen Current Issue. Students have the opportunity to compete at the Regional, State and North American levels. The Envirothon originally began over 40 years ago in Pennsylvania by a group of Soil & Water Conservation Districts and parents who were concerned about the lack of natural resources education in their schools. Georgia began its program in 1995.
lesson plans & activities
GACD lessons are created with Georgia Department of Education standards and include environmental and conservation minded lesson plans. Lessons are adaptable for various age groups and grade levels.
natural resources conservation workshop (nrcw)
Available to Georgia’s Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. This workshop focuses on the value, protection, and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil, and water resources, including conservation in Georgia’s mining industry. The workshop provides students with a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into careers through their counselors and instructors. (Students who have previously attended the workshop are not eligible).
Poster and photo contest
The annual National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Poster Contest provides students from kindergarten through 12th grade the chance to have their art displayed as part of a national conservation outreach initiative.
The NACD Photo Contest is open to all amateur photographers who reside in Georgia. Contestants are allowed to enter as many as five photos each year that each fit into conservation categories.
Scholarship
To encourage study and careers in soil and water conservation related fields, GACD administers one $1,000 scholarship each year. The scholarship is given to high school, undergraduate or graduate students majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation related area.
2024 Stewardship Theme
stewardship week
Stewardship Week was established in 1955 by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) to bring attention to the stewardship of our country's natural resources. It is celebrated each year from the last Sunday in April to the first Sunday in May.