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.

Multi-county Land Judging - This is an annual contest open to Future Farmers of America and 4-H members. Individuals and teams compete in determining suitability of different soils for development for state and national competition. In 2005, the Indian River Soil and Water Conservation District hosted the State Land Judging Contest.

Envirothon - The Indian River Lagoon Envirothon is a multi-county team competition for students from area high schools. Using a study guide and teacher assistance students compete in the disciplines of: soils, water, wildlife, forestry, and lagoon. Additionally each team presents a poster and 5 minute explanation of the special topic of the year. Last year was wildfire. Winning teams from each county may continue in competitions at state, and if successful, national levels.

Earth Team - Diane McCabe is the #1 Earth Team Volunteer in the state in terms of hours given and students reached. She presents USDA-NRCS materials to classes in all elementary schools on "Backyard Conservation" and "Thank-a-Farmer".

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. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three winners.  The topic for 2008 is “Water is Life”. The typewritten speech as well as a cassette recording of the speech is due on March 10th, 2008. Judging will take place on April 14th, 2008. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three winners in each category. The prizes and categories are:

First place winners can move on to the Area 4 level of competition.

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 (K-5). This activity provides students with an opportunity to share their thoughts about soil, water and related natural resource issues. Trophies/plaques are awarded to the top three winners in each grade category. The topic for 2008 is “Water is Life”. All posters are due by December 14th, 2007 and will be judged on January 14th, 2008. First place winners will move on to the State level of competition with the possibility of making it to the National contest.

Poetry Contest - All Indian River County schools grades 3, 4 and 5 are invited to write a poem. As with all of our other contests, the topic is determined each year by NACD. This year’s topic is “Water is Life”. Trophies/plaques are awarded to the top three winners in each grade category.