Committed to Conservation Education
Education is one of Alaska Association of Conservation Districts’ highest priorities. The AACD and our member districts across the state are committed to increasing conservation awareness and the challenges we all face to the public and cooperators as well as providing information to classroom students and supporting.
AACD sponsors the Alaska Envirothon, the AACD/SWCD Speech & Poster Contests and Project WET in Alaska. AACD helps promote teacher training opportunities through workshops. Project WET, Agriculture in the Classroom and other workshops are offered periodically to teachers and others, usually for credit, by Soil & Water Conservation Districts, AACD and our partners.
Educational Programs We Love!
Project WET
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) develops and delivers the world’s best water education resources, organizes special water events, manages a worldwide network of local implementing partners and advocates for the role of water education in solving the world’s most pressing water issues.
Their mission is to reach children, parents, teachers and community members of the world with water education that promotes awareness of water and empowers community action to solve complex water issues.
Learn more at www.projectwet.org
Alaska Envirothon
Alaska Envirothon students learn about the state’s trees, soils and wildlife. They learn how to test water for oxygen content, and become familiar with practical applications in forestry and other related disciplines.
Complete information for this year’s Envirothon on April 25, 2015 can be found on the Palmer Soil & Water Conservation District’s website. Teachers or youth group advisors interested in forming teams should contact AACD’s Program Director for more information or the Palmer SWCD contacts below.
TeAudra Sanders, 907-745-1662
Sierra Doherty, 907-745-1662
Alaska’s Awesome Soils
Alaska Association of Conservation Districts partnered with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Alaska to develop and produce a new book about Alaska’s soil.
Alaska’s Awesome Soils is filled with activities, puzzles and information for all ages. It covers topics like Alaska agriculture, the water cycle and stewardship.
A hardcopy of the booklet is available at no charge by contacting NRCS or AACD or you can download a PDF of the booklet below.
Other Awesome Programs We Support
Future Farmers of America
A number of Alaska SWCDs are home to FFA chapters. Local districts often support those programs through hands-on help and monetary assistance. AACD is working in partnership with Alaska FFA to enhance opportunities for Alaska’s FFA members.
Alaska Ag in the Classroom
While FFA and 4-H provide extracurricular ties to agriculture and natural resources, Ag in the Classroom brings information to students right at their desks with hands-on, fun lesson plans and activities for students and teachers. AACD is helping Alaska Ag in the Classroom to reach more teachers.
Alaska 4-H Program
For more than 100 years, 4-H has given American farm and city kids alike a means of learning more about farming, the environment and the world around them. 4-H clubs across Alaska continue to share the experience of 4-H. Local SWCDs support their 4-H kids with scholarships and other programs.