Conservation District Educational Programs

Conservation districts are dedicated to educating youth and adults alike about the value of conserving our natural resources. Conservation education is a high priority of conservation districts because by increasing awareness and knowledge about conservation issues, citizens are more apt to make informed and responsible decisions.

Conservation districts offer various programs and resources such as:

• School presentations
• School and community water festivals
• Educational tools
• Field trips & tours
• Outdoor classroom development
• Printed materials
• Scholarships for educators and students
• Teacher of the Year award
• Videos & interactive CD's

Conservation District Student Contests

Poster, essay and limerick contests provide students with an opportunity to express their creativity and knowledge on various conservation topics. Winning entries are recognized at the county level, and the first place winners compete at the state level. Champion posters are forwarded to the national competition. Many conservation districts offer speech contests for high-school-aged students. Every year a new topic is selected for students to research and develop their speeches. Area winners advance to state competition to compete for college scholarships.

The Envirothon is an exciting, challenging competition for high school-aged students to learn about the environment. It combines in-class curriculum with hands-on field experiences in soils, aquatics, wildlife, forestry and a current environmental issue. A team of five students competes with other county teams. County champions move up to the state competition to compete against the top teams from across the United States and Canada. Previously, Kansas teams have placed nationally. View more information on the Kansas Envirothon.

Classroom Environmental Education Resources

Agriculture in the Classroom, USDA
Agriculture in the Classroom programs are implemented by state-operated programs. National Agriculture in the Classroom supports state programs by providing a network that seeks to improve agricultural literacy — awareness, knowledge, and appreciation — among PreK-12 teachers and their students.

Conservation Education, USDA Forest Service
Conservation Education (CE) helps people of all ages understand and appreciate our country's natural resources -- and learn how to conserve those resources for future generations.

Food, Land & People
The classroom door opens. We invite you inside for a comprehensive view of farming, food production, natural resources, conservation, sustainability, people, cultures, and many more fascinating subjects.

Go Green Initiative (for schools)
The mission of the Go Green Initiative is to provide schools, homes, businesses and organizations of all kinds with the tools and training they need to create a “culture of conservation” within their community. Our goals are to conserve and protect natural resources for future generations, and to protect human health through environmental stewardship.

Green Teacher
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping educators, both inside and outside of schools, promote environmental awareness among young people aged 6-19.

Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom
Our standards-based, hands-on lesson plans cover topics from plant science to food science to animals to conservation, and they are aligned with subjects like science, math, and reading.

Kansas Geological Survey Educational Resources
This page lists links to information available at the Kansas Geological Survey that is most appropriate for educational use.

Kansas Green Schools Program
This is the place for information about environmental projects and environmental education activities and resources.

Kids Recycling Guide
A kid's guide to recycling. Nico is on a quest to help save the planet! He is passionate about sharing his knowledge of recycling with everyone, so join Nico on his journey to reduce, reuse and recycle with tips and fun activities

Soil-Net.com
Soil-Net.com is a free and compelling environmental Internet resource for Key Stages 1-4 providing teachers and students extensive curriculum-based information about soil.

Environmental Education Foundations, Organizations, Agencies and Partnerships

Adopt-A-Stream Foundation
The Adopt A Stream Foundation (AASF) was established as a private non profit 501(C)(3) corporation in 1985. Its adopted mission is “to teach people how to become stewards of their watersheds.”

Ducks Unlimited
Worlds largest nonprofit wetlands, waterfowl, and wildlife conservation organization.

Groundwater Foundation
The Groundwater Foundation is a nonprofit organization that educates people and inspires action to ensure sustainable, clean groundwater for future generations.

Groundwater Management District No. 1, Western Kansas
Western Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 1 official website.

Groundwater Management District No. 2, Equus Beds
Equus Beds Groundwater Management District No. 2 official website.

Groundwater Management District No. 3, Southwest Kansas
Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 3 official website.

Groundwater Management District No. 4, Northwest Kansas
Northwest Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 4 official website.

Groundwater Management District No. 5, Big Bend
Big Bend Groundwater District #5 official website.

Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE)
KACEE is a statewide non-profit association of many public and private agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals.

Konza Environmental Education Program (KEEP)
KEEP provides on-site programming to K-12, youth and adult groups. Since its inception, KEEP has served hundreds of community members and volunteers, dozens of classroom educators and thousands of school children by providing public programs, docent training, professional development workshops, science education, and field trips.

Kansas Native Plant Society
KNPS encourages awareness and appreciation of the native plants of Kansas in their habitats and in our landscapes by promoting education, stewardship, and scientific knowledge.

Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE), KSU
The Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment was established to coordinate and enhance research, extension and teaching activities pertaining to environmental issues related to agriculture.

Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams (KAWS)
A partnership of agencies and organizations fostering preservation and restoration of Kansas wetlands and streams.

Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD)
The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is a voluntary, nongovernmental, nonprofit, incorporated organization. Its members are the conservation districts located in the 105 counties of Kansas.

Kansas Biological Survey (KBS)
The KBS gathers by field census and other means, information on the kinds, distribution and abundance of plants and animals, compiles, analyzes and interprets the information and distributes it through reports and publications.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
The KDWP addresses the states outdoor recreational opportunities and natural resource protection.

Kansas Forest Service
The Kansas Forest Service offers a range of services, including technical assistance to rural landowners, community tree boards, federal excess property to rural fire districts, and conservation tree sales.

Kansas Geological Survey (KGS)
The KGS provides research and publications of its findings on topics such as computer science, engineering, geology, geochemistry, geohydrology, paleontology, mineral economics and stratigraphy.

Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition (KGLC)
Our vision: Regenerating Kansas grazing lands. Our mission: To regenerate Kansas grazing land resources through cooperative management, economics, ecology, production, education, and technical assistance programs.

Kansas Rural Center (KRC)
The KRC is a non-profit organization that promotes the long-term health of the land and its people through research, education, and advocacy.

Kansas Wildscape Foundation
The Kansas Wildscape Foundation is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to conserving and perpetuating the land, the wild species, and the rich beauty of Kansas for the use and enjoyment of all.

Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Environmental Programs
MARC’s main environmental program areas of air quality, watershed management, solid waste management, energy, and green infrastructure bring community partners together to address regional environmental issues in a cooperative setting.

National Arbor Day Foundation, Youth Education
The mission of this comprehensive, research-based initiative is to help children and families develop a profound engagement with the natural world, where nature is an integral, joyful part of children's daily learning.

National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)
Represents the nations 3,000 local conservation districts. The website provides conservation news and legislative updates.

National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF)
NEEF is the nation’s leading organization in lifelong environmental learning, connecting people to knowledge.

National Ground Water Association
The National Ground Water Association is the hallmark organization for anyone affiliated with the groundwater industry. A nonprofit organization, NGWA is composed of U.S. and international groundwater professionals — contractors, scientists and engineers, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Kansas
USDA, Kansas - State of Kansas NRCS personnel, soil survey information and conservation links.

No-Till On The Plains
No-Till on the Plains, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization devoted to educating farmers about how to develop economically, agronomically, and environmentally sound crop production systems through the application of no-till farming techniques.

Pheasants Forever
Nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, public awareness and education.

Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV)
The Playa Lakes Joint Venture's mission is to conserve playa lakes, other wetlands and associated landscapes through partnerships for the benefit of birds, other wildlife and people.

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)
SERC ecologists are committed to uncovering the mysteries of Chesapeake Bay and other coastlines.

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
Since 1988, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has helped advance farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities through a nationwide research and education grants program.

Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)
A prominent international educational society headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. Society members are dedicated to the conservation and wise use of natural resources to produce food, feed, and fiber crops while maintaining and improving the...

Tallgrass Legacy Alliance
The Tallgrass Legacy Alliance (TLA) is proving to be a vehicle with which ideas and funding sources can get directly on the ground, taking concepts and dreams and turning them into habitat improvements. TLA's philosophy is, "If we are to save the...

The National Arbor Day Foundation
The Foundation inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.

The Land Institute
The Land Institute's purpose is to develop an agricultural system with the ecological stability of the prairie and a grain yield comparable to that from annual crops.

The High Plains Aquifer Information Network, Kansas
This site is dedicated to providing links to information, data, and resources related to the High Plains aquifer, particularly for Kansas..

The Nature Conservancy in Kansas
The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Kansas
Provides maps, reports and information on water, energy, mineral and land resources

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Protects, conserves and enhances fish and wildlife and their habitat.

Watershed Land Trust
The Watershed Land Trust (WLT) is a nonprofit charitable organization which was formed to hold land in fee simple and/or conservation easements in perpetuity.

Action for Nature
Action For Nature, Inc. is an international non-profit organization based in San Francisco, California, that encourages young people to take personal action to better their environments and to foster love and respect for nature. Founded by Shimon Schwarzschild, whose personal environmental initiative is an inspiring story, the AFN board believes that the long-term health of our planet and all who live on it depends upon reaching young people with this message:

Audubon Adventures
Audubon's award-winning environmental education program can be implemented in any classroom or after-school program.

Children & Nature Network
Children & Nature Network is leading a movement to connect all children, their families and communities to nature through innovative ideas, evidence-based resources and tools, broad-based collaboration and support of grassroots leadership.

Earth Day Network
The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement.

Earth Force
At Earth Force, we are passionate about young people finding their voice while assuming leadership roles in solving local environmental problems.

Environmental Education, EPA
Environmental education increases public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues or problems. In doing so, it provides the public with the necessary skills to make informed decisions and take responsible action. A primary desired outcome of environmental education programs is environmental literacy.

Leopold Education Project (LEP)
The Leopold Education Project (LEP) is an innovative, interdisciplinary, critical thinking, conservation and environmental education curriculum based on the classic writings of the renowned conservationist, Aldo Leopold.

National Energy Education Development Project (NEED)
The mission of the NEED Project is to promote an energy conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education programs.

Nature Net
Nature Net is a not-for-profit initiative that provides "one-stop shopping" for environmental education resources for teachers and families.

North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
Environmental education (EE) teaches children and adults how to learn about and investigate their environment, and to make intelligent, informed decisions about how they can take care of it.

Outside in Nature, National Wildlife Federation
National Wildlife Federation has worked to connect children and youth with nature for decades, inspiring children through Ranger Rick magazine, working with educators to get kids learning outdoors, and helping parents find new ways to engage their children outside.

Pathways to Nature For Kids, Wild Birds Unlimited
Developed in partnership with National Audubon Society, Pathways To Nature for Kids gives children from across North America the opportunity to connect with their natural world.

Project Learning Tree (PLT)
This is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12.

Project WILD
The activities found in Project WILD instructional materials are intended for use in both classroom and informal settings and are designed to support state and national academic standards appropriate for grades K-12.

Project WET
Since 1984, the Project WET Foundation has dedicated itself to the mission of reaching children, parents, teachers and community members of the world with water education.

River Network
You’re at the online hub of a network of more than 2,000 state, regional and local grassroots organizations whose primary mission is protecting our most vital natural resource – water.

Water Science for Schools, U.S. Geological Survey
Welcome to the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Water Science School. We offer information on many aspects of water, along with pictures, data, maps, and an interactive center where you can give opinions and test your water knowledge.

Environmental Education Projects and Initiatives

Acorn Naturalists Online Store
For over two decades, Acorn Naturalists has focused on developing and distributing resources that nurture curiosity about the natural world. Our selections provide teachers, outdoor educators, naturalists, parents, and others with unique, effective educational resources.

Dig It! The Secrets of Soil - Smithsonian Exhibit & Activity Sheets
Discover the amazing world of soils with images and information from the Dig It!

EnviroScape
A series of portable hands-on models, EnviroScape® helps people of all ages, languages and cultures, better understand the sources and prevention of water pollution through visual, hands-on interaction.

Soil Tunnel

Kansas has three different styles of soil tunnels for use in soil education programs:

• Soil Tunnel Trailer
• Inflatable Soil Tunnel
• Non-Inflatable Soil Tunnel

Environmental Competitions

Envirothon
The mission of the North American Envirothon is to develop knowledgeable skilled and dedicated citizens who have an understanding of natural resources and are willing and prepared to work towards achieving and maintaining a balance between the quality of life and the quality of the environment.

Kansas Envirothon
The Kansas Envirothon is an outdoor environmental high school competition where students learn and are tested on soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatics and a current issue.

Kansas ECO-MEET
Imagine a competition where knowledge of Kansas' wildlife and plants is the key to success! The ECO-MEETs offer a chance for the most naturally qualified high school students to show what they know and win scholarships.

Student Contests, Kansas Association of Conservation Association
The Conservation Education & Youth Committee facilitates KACD's sponsorship of several annual contests, such as area and state speeches, and state poster, essay, and limerick contests. Additionally, KACD sponsors the Envirothon for Kansas youth, scholarships for college students majoring in natural resource programs, and also issues awards for outstanding conservation achievement, leadership recognition, and teacher of the year.

Adult Education

Climate Change Education
Debunking the myths and getting to the facts.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Watershed Academy Web
Welcome to the Watershed Academy's Distance Learning Program -- Watershed Academy Web. This Web site offers a variety of self-paced training modules that represent a basic and broad introduction to the watershed management field.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Non-Point Source News-Notes
Nonpoint Source News-Notes is an occasional bulletin dealing with the condition of the water-related environment, the control of nonpoint sources of water pollution (NPS), and the ecosystem-driven management and restoration of watersheds.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 7
Regional website of the EPA covering Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

Fire Science Online
Fire Science Online's mission is to get our content out to as many people as possible to raise awareness to the fire, forestry and public service community.

Keep America Beautiful
Keep America Beautiful follows a practical approach that unites citizens, businesses and government to find solutions that advance our core issues of preventing litter, reducing waste, and beautifying communities.

Watershed Planning/Protection

Center for Watershed Protection
The Center for Watershed Protection is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation that provides local governments, activists, and watershed organizations around the country with the technical tools for protecting some of the nation's most precious natural...

Cheney Lake Watershed
Cheney Lake Watershed, Inc., a private, non-profit organization, is based upon a unique urban/rural partnership. Farmers, ranchers, and other rural residents of this 633,449-acre watershed are working with the City of Wichita, the largest city in Kansas...

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Division of Environment
Links to all the bureaus under the KDHE Division of Environment.

Kansas Water Office (KWO)
The KWO is the water planning and marketing agency for the state.

Kansas WRAPS
The Kansas Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS)offers a framework that engages citizens and other stakeholders in a teamwork environment aimed at protecting and restoring Kansas watersheds.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Surf Your Watershed/Kansas
Watershed links to find more information about your Kansas watershed.

State Association of Kansas Watersheds (SAKW)
SAKW was chartered in 1951 to represent all watershed districts in Kansas. SAKW is a non-profit organization supported by memberships and partnering agencies.

Resource Conservation and Development

Flint Hills Resource, Conservation and Development (RC&D)
Here you can find information about available resources and projects sponsored by Flint Hills Rural Conservation and Development.

Kansas Crossroads Resource, Conservation and Development (RC&D)
The Kansas Crossroads Resource Conservation and Development Area Inc. is a 501-c-3 nonprofit, tax exempt rural development organization serving the North Central Kansas counties of Clay, Cloud, Jewell, Ottawa, Republic, and Washington.

Lake Region Resource, Conservation and Development
Lake Region Resource, Conservation and Development mission statement: "To plan and initiate leadership and education to assist communities to develop local goals and objectives for managing economic growth improving quality of land, water, and life." The program helps community...

Sunflower Resource, Conservation and Development (RC&D)
The Sunflower Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization comprised of a network of community volunteer leaders from Barber, Comanche, Cowley, Harper, Kingman, Kiowa, Pratt and Sumner counties.

Western Prairie Resource, Conservation and Development (RC&D)
The Western Prairie Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was created to help groups and individuals in the eight northwest counties of Kansas to promote economic growth and stability.

Soil Health

Soil Health Institute
The Soil Health Institute Vision Statement is as follows:
"The Soil Health Institute will be the primary resource for soil health information and research. Its outcomes will yield healthy, sustainable soils to serve as the foundation for society, benefit the environment and contribute to the productivity and profitability of agriculture."