Wake Soil and Water Conservation District is committed to advancing the environmental literacy of Wake County citizens through its environmental education, grant and volunteer programs for Wake County citizens. For information on environmental education, grant and volunteer programs, contact Wake District’s Environmental Educator, Sheila Jones.
Student Programs
Envirothon
Envirothon is an academic competition that challenges 5-member middle and high school teams on their knowledge in five natural resource areas: soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and current environmental issues. A great way to strengthen students’ naturalist intelligence!
Resource Conservation Workshop
A week-long summer "Conservation Camp" at NCSU that covers natural resources management for rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Each year in March-April, Wake District awards one or more full scholarships to Wake County students! Learn more.
Conservation Poster Contest
An annual poster contest that challenges 4th grade and 5th grade students to artistically illustrate their science knowledge on a natural resource theme such as the urban water cycle, soil & water conservation, wetlands, groundwater, stormwater and watershed management. Prizes include ribbons and certificates from the wake District Board of Supervisors. Cash awards for the top 3 poster winners are generously provided by Novozymes North America. Teacher resources on soil and water conservation that include a video, booklet, and lesson plans are available here. Learn more about the contest.
Service Learning Projects
As a community partner, Wake District can assist student groups of all grade levels with developing and implementing service learning projects that improve and benefit the environment!
Junior Earth Team Volunteers
Wake District can engage elementary, middle and high school students in environmental stewardship projects such as litter cleanups, maintaining school gardens, and peer teaching EE lessons. Projects subject to availability and the whims of nature!
For Teachers and Organizations
Watershed Stewardship Schools
A project-based awards program where schools in Wake County commit to taking 10 actions to learn about and improve their local watershed. Upon successful completion, schools earn the official “Watershed Stewardship School” title by Wake District!
Workshops
Professional development workshops that train educators, youth leaders and other adults in environmental education curricula such as Project Food, Land & People, Project WET, WOW – Wonders of Wetlands, and others. Education credit available!
Lines on The Land
A "hands-on" soil and water conservation learning package. Lines on the Land has three components – video, booklet and lessons – to help teachers and students learn about conservation practices or best management practices (BMPs) that reduce erosion and build soil health.
Auxiliary Grants
Grants up to $500 for environmental education projects from the NC Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts. One grant per year awarded to the piedmont region. Applications due December 1st!
Outdoor Environmental Learning Center Grants
Cost-share grants awarded by the NC Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation. OELC grants require a 50% cost-share match on projects that build outdoor classroom infrastructure such as seating, amphitheater, nature trail, raised garden beds, etc.
Interested in other Environmental Education topics?
Link up with these EE organizations:
