(Richland PIO) – Students at three Richland County schools will engage in hands-on environmental learning this school year, thanks to financial support from the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD).
Twice each year, RSWCD administers Conservation Education Mini-Grants to support youth education initiatives at County schools. Funding for the projects comes from individual donors, businesses and community support through the Friends of RSWCD.
“Many studies have shown the positive effects of allowing students to connect with nature,” said Jane Hiller, coordinator for South Carolina Green Step Schools, a program that incentivizes sustainability projects at schools statewide. “These grants support learning projects where students can frequently engage in activities that support conservation right on their school campus.”
Projects, participating schools and their respective grant awards, and project leads for the spring 2025 semester are:
- Blythewood Academy Greenhouse Learning Initiative
- Participating school: Blythewood Academy ($875)
- Project lead: Doug Witherspoon, middle school teacher
- Montessori School Gardens
- Participating school: Caughman Road Elementary School ($875)
- Project lead: Elizabeth Gregory, Garden Committee chair
- Post-Construction Pollinator Restoration
- Participating school: Pontiac Elementary School ($500)
- Project lead: Rachel Tustin, fourth-grade teacher
By supporting conservation projects in Richland County schools, RSWCD empowers students to become environmental stewards of their community. Through these grants, students can gain valuable skills and experiences to take with them into adulthood.
Richland County supports RSWCD’s work with staff and other resources. To learn more about RSWCD programs, including Conservation Education Mini-Grants, and how to support such conservation education efforts through the Friends of the RSWCD, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/rswcd.