Activities/Education:
Education has been recognized as the number one priority of the Soil and Water Conservation District. Continuous efforts have been made to provide education through the schools and public workshops to maintain an awareness of the individual roles we all play in conservation.
Best Management Practices
Small Farm, Ranchette and Country Estate Best Management Practices Manual
The primary focus of this manual is to address the expansion of “Small Farms, Ranchettes, and Country Estates” in rural areas by providing relevant information that facilitates the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Presentations from the IRSWCD Agriculture Forum held Nov. 20th 2009
1. Agriculture Forum Presentation
2. Joe Joyce - UF IFAS
3. Dave Fisk - SJRWMD
4. Jean Scott - Strategies for Livable Communities
• Agriculture Forum Photos
Envirothon - The Indian River Lagoon Envirothon is a multi-county team competition for students from area high schools and middle schools. Using a study guide with teacher assistance, students compete in the disciplines of: soils, aquatics, wildlife, forestry, and the Indian River Lagoon. There is also a different ‘current issue’ station each year. The current issue for 2012 is "Non Point Source Pollution/Low Impact Development". Winning teams (high school) from each county may continue in competitions at state, and if successful, national levels. For more information please visit www.irlenvirothon.org.
Public Speaking Contest -
This competition is open to grades 6 - 12 and is designed to develop leadership by providing an opportunity for students to participate in public speaking and at the same time, to stimulate interest in conserving our natural resources. The topic for 2012 is “Should food crops be used for fuel?” The typewritten speech as well as a cassette or cd recording of the speech is due on March 9th, 2012. Judging will take place on April 9th 2012 at 7:00 PM. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three winners in each category. The prizes and categories are:
Grades 6 - 9 |
1st Place for 6 - 9 Grade |
$100.00 |
| |
2nd Place for 6 - 9 Grade |
$75.00 |
| |
3rd Place for 6 - 9 Grade |
$50.00 |
| |
|
|
Grades 10 - 12 |
1st Place for 10 - 12 Grade |
$500.00 |
| |
2nd Place for 10 - 12 Grade |
$300.00 |
| |
3rd Place for 10 - 12 Grade |
$200.00 |
Judges will choose the best candidate to represent the District in the Area IV Contest.
Workshops - Staff have assisted Indian River County Extension Service in presenting workshops on conservation issues such as irrigation water management, pond management, etc. Referrals are made to Extension Service to assist cooperators in finding all the necessary information to help them make educated decisions.
Poster Contest - This contest is co-sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and is open to all students in grades K-5. This activity provides students with an opportunity to share their thoughts about soil, water and related natural resource issues. Trophies and plaques are awarded to the top three winners in each grade category. The topic for 2012 is “Soil to Spoon”; All posters need to be turned into the Conservation District Office by December 14th, 2011 and will be judged on January 9th, 2012. First place winners will move on to the State level of competition with the possibility of moving on to the National contest. All first place winning posters will be displayed at the Indian River Soil and Water Conservation District’s booth at the IRC Fire Fighters’ Fair.
Contest Tips | Information | Entry Form | Flyer | Rules and Resources
Poetry Contest - All Indian River County students in grades 3, 4 and 5 are invited to submit an original poem that exercises their individuality and creativity as it applies to the annual Stewardship topic. As with all of our contests, the topic is determined each year by NACD. This year’s topic is “Soil to Spoon”. Trophies and plaques are awarded to the top three winners in each grade category. Poems are due at the District Office by February 29, 2012 and will be judged on March 12th, 2012.
Educational Materials
