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.
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.
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.
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
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 Leadership Development 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
2023 Events at a Glance
June 2023
June 6 _________________________________________________________________________
Deep East Texas Association of SWCDs Meeting, Montgomery, 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
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.