NACD Stewardship Week is one of the largest national programs to promote natural resource conservation. Celebrated annually since 1955, NACD Stewardship Week reminds us of our individual responsibilities to care for natural resources.

The NACD 68th Stewardship Week is going on now until May 7. This year, NACD’s Stewardship Week will be focused on watersheds and the theme of “One Water.” Follow along with us on social media, @nacdconserve, all week as we explore what One Water looks like across the country!

During Stewardship Week, local conservation districts and their state associations educate the public on the importance of soil health, water quality, pollinator habitat and other conservation topics. Different classroom activities, field visits and community events are hosted to honor and recognize efforts in conservation at the local level.

Learn more and find resources for celebrating Stewardship Week in your district on NACD's website.

SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT HOSTS STORM DRAIN MURAL CONTESTS FOR 'ONE WATER'

In South Carolina, the Aiken Soil and Water Conservation District has organized a contest to help their community understand how storm drains connect to local waterways, and how it is all “One Water.” Five artists are painting murals near storm drains by a local taproom called The Alley. The winning artist will be announced at the Aiken City Council meeting in May and receive $250. The contest was featured on the front page of the April 12, 2023 edition of the local newspaper, the Aiken Standard. Read it here.

Check out photos of the beautiful murals completed on the Aiken Soil and Water Conservation District’s Facebook page.

SOURCE WATER COLLABORATIVE RESOURCE FOR DISTRICTS

In February, following NACD’s Annual Meeting in New Orleans, members of NACD’s forestry committee joined the Source Water Collaborative to outline a resource for conservation districts (CDs) and their partners on the role they play in protecting drinking water sources. The resource is designed to be a reference for districts on the various resources available to them in supporting source water protection and includes information on the natural benefits forests offer in water quality protection and enhancement. With the recent investments through Inflation Reduction Act funding for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry, districts are positioned to play an even bigger role in the protection of drinking water supplies through their local conservation delivery services.

In addition to this resource, the Source Water Collaborative offers a resource library with tools and case studies in their Learning Exchange Directory.