Contest and Awards
For much of its existence, the conservation movement has used school contests and public conservation awards to teach rising generations about environmental management and to recognize exemplary natural resource stewardship. The N.C. Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, the Division of Soil and Water Conservation, and other related agencies continue this tradition today through a diverse offering of competitive educational programs and awards. And as is so often the case, participation is driven by the interests of the local district board and the unique talents and experience of district staff.
The chart below lists a few of the more popular contests and awards promoted in North Carolina's conservation districts. For a comprehensive description and guide to what's available, click on the link to the handbook.
Contests, Workshops, and Awards Handbook
(2009 - 2010 Edition)
POPULAR N.C. SOIL & WATER CONTESTS and AWARDS |
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Activity |
Who |
When |
Where |
| Essay Contest | Open to 6th graders | Runs concurrently with school year | In participating schools |
| Poster Contest | Separate contests for each 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th grade levels | Runs concurrently with school year | In participating schools |
| Public Speaking Contest | Open to 7th and 8th grade students | Runs concurrently with school year | In participating schools |
| Envirothon Program | Grades 9-12 of the same school. Open to ecology clubs, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, soil judging teams, environmental groups, etc. | State Competition is usually held in April | Call District Office serving your County |
| Outstanding Conservation Farm Family | An entire farm including livestock and property owned, rented or operated by contestant will be considered. State winners are not eligible to compete for 5 years | Call District Office serving your County | Call District Office |
| Urban Conservation Award | Individuals, organizations or corporations in urban settings | Entries due in the Division of Soil & Water Conservation Office (DSWC), Raleigh, NC by September 1 | Entries to be submitted by the District Office |
| Watershed Person of the Year | Individuals involved with a PL566 project, NC Ag. Cost Share Program or other watershed protection or conservation activity | Due in the DSWC Office, Raleigh, NC by September 1 | Entries to be submitted by the District Office |
| Watershed of the Year | Watersheds having a PL566 project, using NC Ag. Cost Share Program, some other watershed protection or conservation activity | Due in the DSWC Office, Raleigh, NC by September 1 | Entries to be submitted by the District Office |
| NACD Conservation Education Awards | Elementary teachers (grades K-6) and Secondary teachers (grades 7-12) public or private, who emphasize conservation education as a regular part of their instructional program | Contact District Office | Contact District Office |