Faculty and staff members of public, private, and alternative schools in Richland County are eligible to apply for Conservation Education and Clean Stream Columbia Mini-Grants (up to $250 each) for campus conservation projects.  Applications received by October 15, 2015 October 30, 2015 (deadline extended due to flooding) will be considered for fall 2015 funding; applications received by February 16, 2016 will be considered for spring 2016 funding.

The Summer 2015 issue of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District Newsletter features stories about the Twenty-five Mile Creek Watershed Water Quality Improvement Project, soil health at City Roots urban organic farm, conservation education award winners, and more.  Read more: Summer 2015 Newsletter

Eighteen teams of high school students competed in the natural resources challenge of the 19th Annual SC Envirothon on May 1, 2015.  Richland County was represented by a team from Dreher High School, sponsored by the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District.

Dr. Luvenia Chantelle Baker-Parnell, principal of A.C. Moore Elementary School, has been named Richland County’s Conservation Principal of the Year by the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).  This annual award recognizes a school administrator who promotes conservation education for teachers and students.

Karyn Taylor, a third grade teacher at Pontiac Elementary School, has been named Richland County’s Conservation Teacher of the Year by the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).  This annual award recognizes Richland County educators who have exhibited an exceptional commitment to conservation education.