Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Conserving and Protecting the Soil and Water Resources of Texas
Hello Districts and other friends of conservation!
We are your source of information about ATSWCD-sponsored events,
programs, meetings, tours and training across the state.
ATSWCD is working to represent Texas SWCDs on local, state and national levels.
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ANNUAL MEETING OF TEXAS SWCD DIRECTORS
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the most important conservation meeting of the year in Texas. You'll enjoy great speakers, breakout sessions and the advantage of networking with other local Conservation District Directors, SWCD employees, NRCS personnel and state staff. An extensive tradeshow, featuring numerous agencies and business sponsors, rounds out the convention.
Annual Meeting October 27-30, 2024
Loews Hotel, Arlington, TX
LOCAL WORK GROUP MEETINGS
Soil and Water Conservation Districts lead an important task of convening annual Local Work Group meetings to seek community input and develop conservation priorities for the next fiscal year. Information from these LWG meetings is critical to the overall development of a successful conservation local work plan.
LWG meetings allow for community engagement and build support for conservation programs at all levels of the conservation delivery system.
Win an Annual Meeting Registration!
Submit an LWG CPPO Grant form and be entered to win!
SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOPS
Two-day Soil Health workshops held across the state offer an opportunity to hear from experts, interact with producers and discover new techniques for sustainability and profitability. Learn how to improve the health and function of the soil and develop a conservation plan for your operation.
ANNUAL CONSERVATION AWARDS
Districts across the state identify the best local conservationists in a variety of categories, who are then entered into area contests. These distinguished winners continue to statewide competition. The Annual Conservation Awards Program is designed to acknowledge, recognize and honor those who dedicate themselves and their talents to the conservation and wise use of our renewable natural resources.
FFA LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Soil Stewardship Public Speaking Contest, open to high school FFA students interested in soil, water and related renewable natural resource conservation, strives to broaden students' interest and knowledge of conservation philosophy and management practices, as well as how humanity depends on the health and sustainability of renewable natural resources. After advancing through district and area levels, the top three state winners are awarded scholarships.
Drought conditions hit Fayette County early this season | KVUE
IN THE NEWS
ATSWCD Past President Rick Schilling was interviewed by KVUE about the severe drought and its impact on ranchers: watch his video interview.
In a written news article, Schilling also notes the lessons he learned from the 2011 drought and talks about the conservation changes he made on his ranch to help prepare him for a better outcome during this drought.
2024 STATE CONSERVATION AWARD WINNERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 STATE AWARD WINNERS!
Conservation Farmer
Roy Book
Tom Green SWCD #248
Outstanding SWCD
Nolan County SWCD #245
Conservation Rancher
Collier Farms
Wise SWCD #548
Conservation Teacher
Jessica Reeves
Kerr County #217
Wildlife Conservationist
Kevin Tauzin
Medina Valley SWCD #226
Friend of Conservation
David Cowan
Collin County SWCD #535
Junior Essay
Sydney Pletcher
Jackson SWCD #336
Senior Essay
Jayden Gonzales
San Patricio SWCD #324
Poster K-2nd Grade
Elizabeth Gillem
Lamar SWCD #415
Poster 3rd-6th Grade
Sophia Alaniz
Zapata SWCD #335
Complete Listing of all Area Winners:
REGIONAL SWCD MEETINGS
AND AREA BANQUETS
Regional SWCD associations meet to discuss important issues in their area, as well as broader statewide SWCD and resource concerns. Informative conservation tours are included in their sessions.
SWCDs in Texas are divided into five Area zones. An annual banquet for leadership elections and to honor award winners is held in each Area in May.
MEMBER RESOURCES
Information and forms for grants and resources are provided for Districts. The Local Work Groups Guidebook, annual quota statements and other info specifically directed toward Texas SWCDs are available.
The ATSWCD-sponsored SWCD Directors and Employees Workshop provides training to District Directors and their staff.
STUDENT POSTER AND ESSAY CONTESTS
The popular annual conservation poster and essay contests provide a themed curriculum for teachers, while giving students an opportunity to showcase their creative skills and talents. Students compete on local, regional and state levels.
Poster and Essay Contest Themes and Guidelines
2024 Events at a Glance
April 2024
April 28-May 5 _________________________________________________________________
Soil and Water Stewardship Week
SWCD Resources, Messaging, Proclamation, Press Release
May 2024
May 1 and May 7 _______________________________________________________________
Annual Area Conservation Awards Banquets and Elections
Dates, Locations and Ticket Info
May 21 _______________________________________________________________________
Hill Country Association Meeting, Eldorado, TX
Info Letter with RSVP Details and Agenda
SOIL AND WATER
STEWARDSHIP WEEK
In conjunction with national and international celebrations, Districts observe Soil and Water Stewardship Week, educating the public on a range of conservation topics.
Soil and Water Stewardship Week Resources
WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS
AND STUDENTS
Land stewardship and natural resource training workshops offer field trips, demonstrations and hands-on learning experiences for educators and youth on a variety of conservation topics and issues.
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