Mini-Grants for Conservation Education
Richland County public, private, and alternative schools are eligible to apply for grants in amounts up to $1,000 to support campus conservation projects and youth environmental education initiatives through the Conservation Education Mini-Grant Program. Two award cycles are available: applications received by October 1, 2021 will be considered for fall 2021 funding; applications received by February 4, 2022 will be considered for spring 2022 funding. Project work and the expenditure of funds must be completed by June 15, 2022. Click here for details.
Conservation Poster Contest
The National Conservation Poster Contest, sponsored annually by the National Association of Conservation Districts, raises awareness about conservation issues through youth outreach. The Contest is open to public, private, and home-schooled students in grades K through 12. The 2022 theme is "Healthy Soils, Healthy Life," and Richland County entries are due by [DATE TBA]. Details coming soon!
Envirothon
Each May, teams of SC high school students gather at the Clemson Sandhill Research and Education Center in northeast Columbia to compete for scholarships and the opportunity to represent the Palmetto State at the North American 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 alternate (optional) in grades 9-12. Each team must have the support of a team coach. Richland County teams and coaches may receive support from, and apply for team sponsorship through, the Richland SWCD. If you are a Richland County teacher or student who is interested in participating, please contact Chanda Cooper at cooper.chanda@richlandcountysc.gov for information on sponsorship and support. Visit South Carolina Envirothon for full competition details!
Class and Youth Group Presentations
The Richland SWCD offers a limited number of class presentations for Richland County preK-12 students on a number of conservation topics. During the 2021-2022 school year, Richland SWCD educators are available to visit Richland County classrooms on Fridays. For details on available programs and guidelines, click here.
To provide feedback on a program Richland SWCD has facilitated for your class or group, use this form.
Internal use only: to submit youth program data, click here.
For a list of other guest presenters who may be available to speak to school and community groups on conservation topics, and a list of conservation-themed field trip opportunities in Richland County, click here.
Borrow Educational Materials
Richland County educators may borrow educational materials, including a Soil Slake Kit, Rainfall Simulator, Adopt-A-Stream Kit, Vermicomposting Kit, and Enviroscape Model, for classroom use. Equipment may be borrowed for a one-week period, and the borrower is responsible for pick-up and return of items. Use the links provided for more information about each kit. To provide feedback on educational materials you have borrowed, use this form.
Environmental Educator Trainings
Project Learning Tree (PLT) and Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) are award-winning international environmental education curricula designed for teachers and informal educators who work with students from early childhood through high school. Richland SWCD facilitates PLT and Project WET educator trainings in Richland County; to request a training for a group of teachers or informal educators, contact Chanda Cooper at cooper.chanda@richlandcountysc.gov. You may also visit the SC PLT and SC Project WET websites for more information.
Green Steps Schools
Conservation District staff members mentor a variety of Green Steps Schools projects, including habitat restoration, water conservation, school gardens, and classroom composting operations at nearly a dozen schools in Richland County. Green Steps Schools is a statewide recognition program that provides awards and support to schools in South Carolina who take annual, sustainable steps toward environmental responsibility. Visit the SC Green Steps Schools website for more information and to learn how your school can become a Green Steps School!
Curriculum Resources
- Natural Resource Ramble: This lesson plan allows students to explore examples of natural resources in their daily lives. The lesson is correlated with SC Science Standards in grades one, three, and eight.
- Educators' Guide to Pollinator Conservation: This educators' guide to pollination and pollinator conservation provides background information and lesson plans for teachers, parents, and informal educators to lead engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students in grades one through six. Activities are aligned to South Carolina science academic standards.
SCACD Youth Education Brochure
The SC Association of Conservation Districts (SCACD) and the individual Conservation Districts of South Carolina support several statewide youth education programs. Learn more about them in this brochure!