Educating both children and adults, Conservation Districts across the state are active in promoting activities, demonstrations, workshops, sponsorships, and events that educate the general public on the value of natural resources. Below are some educational programs Conservation Districts support.
REGISTERAvailable to Georgia’s Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. (Students who have previously attended the workshop are not eligible)
Workshop focuses on the value, protection, and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil, and water resources, including conservation in Georgia’s mining industry. More than $17,000 in college scholarships will be awarded during the workshop. Features field trips, classroom instruction, and recreational activities.
Tuition is usually provided to the students by local Conservation Districts, local businesses, and individuals.
The Georgia Envirothon is an exciting natural resource education program designed to challenge students in an interactive, outdoor competition where middle and high school teams (consisting of 4-6 students) are tested in areas of Wildlife, Forestry, Aquatic Ecology, Soils and Land Use, and a Current Issue. Teams take written and hands-on tests outside and give presentations based on the chosen Current Issue. Students have the opportunity to compete at the Regional, State and North American levels.
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. Each year, the winning posters reflect NACD’s annual Stewardship theme and highlight the work of conservation districts to protect and enhance natural resources. The contest starts at the local conservation district level; winners advance to the state level, and then to the national level.
The poster contest is open to public, private and home-schooled students.
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. Conservation districts host field days, workshops, and other events to demonstrate the benefits of conservation and encourage the responsible use of resources. Outreach materials and suggestions for activities to celebrate Stewardship Week may be found on NACD's website.
Conservation Districts throughout the state host field days throughout the year with local partners to demonstrate conservation practices, technologies, or methods to local producers and landowners. Field days are a great way to educate others from the community about best management practices and provide outreach about programs offered through the District or District's partners.
Workshops conducted by Conservation Districts are another effective method of outreach and education for citizens throughout the state. Topics vary by region and district and are organized based on guidance from District Supervisors.
Some Conservation Districts are creative with sponsorships, hosting special events in their local communities throughout the year. This also varies by District, but some exciting special events include Wildlife Shows at area schools, outdoor classrooms, or sponsoring teacher grants for special projects.
