Conservation-based opportunities abound for Richland County students
August 16, 2024
With a new academic year underway, the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) is offering a variety of fun and inspiring conservation education programs for local youth and educators.
To find more information on any of the programs or to apply, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/rswcd.
2024-2025 Conservation Education Mini-Grants
Richland County public, private and alternative schools are eligible to apply for up to $1,000 in grant funding to support conservation projects and youth environmental education initiatives.
Awards are competitive, and proposals will be evaluated based on projects’ conservation impact, feasibility, student and community involvement, and educational outcomes. Two award cycles are available: Applications received by Oct. 2 will be considered for fall 2024 funding; applications received by Jan. 23, 2025, will be considered for spring 2025 funding. Project work and funding expenditures must be completed by June 11, 2025.
Students are honored at a reception for winning state honors in the Youth Conservation Poster Contest.
2024-2025 Youth Conservation Poster Contest
The National Association of Conservation Districts’ 2025 stewardship theme, “Home Is Where the Habitat Is,” highlights the crucial role of natural and managed habitats in conservation efforts. RSWCD invites K-12 students in Richland County to design a habitat awareness poster highlighting the diversity and importance of natural and managed habitats.
Each poster must include the words “Home Is Where the Habitat Is” in the design. Posters submitted by April 11, 2025, will be eligible for prizes at the local, state and national levels.
Students at Pontiac Elementary in Elgin work in their school garden. In 2023, the school received a Conservation Education Mini-Grant to refurbish and expand their existing raised-bed garden area.
2025 SC Envirothon Incentives
Each spring, teams of high school students gather to compete for scholarships and the chance to represent the Palmetto State at the NCF-Envirothon competition. Envirothon teams are tested on their knowledge of five areas of environmental science (wildlife, forestry, soil science, aquatics, and a current topic) and their performance on an oral presentation. Teams consist of 3-5 students (plus an optional alternate) in grades 9-12.
As an incentive, RSWCD will pay the team registration fee of $175 for the first three Richland County teams who submit their complete registration packets to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Additionally, RSWCD will provide a stipend of $500 to the first three Richland County team coaches who submit their completed registration packets to SCDNR.
The 2025 SC Envirothon competition is April 25, with a coaches’ training session on Feb. 1.
About Richland County
The County Government is dedicated to providing exceptional public services through effective planning, proactive leadership, and inclusive governance to ensure that all residents, visitors, and businesses have equitable opportunities and improved quality of life today and in the future.
