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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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The Annual Meeting of Texas SWCD Directors will be held Oct 30 - Nov 1, 2023 in Ft. Worth, TX

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, NRCS personnel and state staff. An extensive tradeshow, featuring numerous agencies and business sponsors, rounds out the convention.

Annual Meeting October 30 - November 1, 2023

in Ft. Worth, TX

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.

Soil Health Workshops

Soil Health Education

ATSWCD sponsors two-day workshops across Texas, teaching soil health principles
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The Annual Conservation Awards Program sponsored by ATSWCD recognizes Texas conservationists in a variety of categories

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.

Award-winning Conservationists

President's Award

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. 

Soil Stewardship Public Speaking Contest Info Packet

ATSWCD sponsors the Soil Stewardship Public Speaking Contest for high school FFA students
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Drought conditions hit Fayette County early this season | KVUE

Drought conditions hit Fayette County early this season | KVUE

Play Video

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. 

Rick Schilling Video and Interview

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2023 Texas Conservation Award Winners

2023 STATE CONSERVATION AWARD WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023 STATE AWARD WINNERS!

Conservation Farmer
Aaron Reeves
Collin County SWCD #535

Outstanding SWCD

Gillespie County SWCD #220

Conservation Rancher
Tretha Caddell
Lamb County SWCD #131

Conservation Teacher
Lynita Foster
Bedias Creek SWCD #428

Wildlife Conservationist
Gary Gardner
Upper Llanos SWCD #225

Friend of Conservation
Keep Big Spring Beautiful
Howard SWCD #243

Junior Essay
Blaine Dahl
Hartley SWCD #152

Senior Essay
Tabor Christanelli
Lower Pease SWCD #162

Poster K-2nd Grade
Isabella Cervantez
West Nueces-Las Moras  SWCD #236

Poster 3rd-6th Grade
Emme Davila
Jackson SWCD #336

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Complete Listing of all Area Winners
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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.

Regional and Area Meetings/Banquets

ATSWCD provides information and forms for grants and resources to Texas SWCDs

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.

Member Resources-District Grants

The ATSWCD-sponsored Leadership Development Workshop provides training  to District Directors and their staff. 

 

Leadership Development Workshop 

ATSWCD sponsors annual student conservation poster and essay contests.

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

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2023 Events at a Glance

June 2023

June 6  _________________________________________________________________________
Deep East Texas Association of SWCDs MeetingMontgomery, TX  Announcement Letter with RSVP Info
 

June 26 - 28   ______________________________________________________
Land Stewardship and Outdoor Education Workshop, Junction, TX  Info Flyer and Registration Form
Registration deadline: June 5.  See Registration Form for Additional Info
 

August 2023

August 13 - 15 _____________________________________________________
NACD South Central Region Meeting, Arlington, TX   Info Letter and Registration Form
 

August 30 ______________________________________________________________________
Call for Resolutions postmark deadline  Information Letter and By-laws Requirements
 

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The Association of Texas SWCDS and Texas Districts celebrate Soil and Water Stewardship Week

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

The Land Stewardship and Outdoor Education Workshop

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.   

Land Stewardship and Outdoor Education Workshop

TSSRM Youth Range Workshop

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