Education Programs:
Conservation & Water Quality

Fall School Program

The Soil and Water Conservation Education Program is presented to Douglas County 4th graders in the fall.  Each class attends nine stations (20 minutes each) that focus on why protecting our soil and water resources are important.

Conservation Practices
Enviroscape
Forestry
Groundwater Flow Model
Grasses
Ponds & Fish
Rainfall Simulator
Soils
Stream Model Trailer

Enviroscape

The Enviroscape is a three-dimensional model depicting a watershed.  The model addresses Point Source and Non-Point Source Pollution shown on a variety of land uses:  farm, industrial, urban, highway, forest, streambank, and lakeshore.  It presents a clear picture of how pollution travels through a watershed, effecting surface water and groundwater.  The model emphasizes how water pollution needs to be prevented.

Stream Model Trailer

The Stream Model Trailer simulates surface water flow and its energies; how changes upstream effect the watercourse and streambanks downstream.  Topics addressed include:

Stream Dynamics
Streambank Erosion & Stabilization
Channelization
Sedimentation

The importance of wetland and riparian areas, through streambank protection and water quality, is demonstrated.

Rainfall Simulator

The Rainfall Simulator demonstrates the effects of a heavy rainstorm on unprotected cropland or building sites.  Five trays, filled with soil and various levels of groundcover, are placed below the rainfall simulator.  Empty containers are then placed below the trays, to catch the rain runoff.  The amount of sediment and water in the containers, after the rain, is in direct proportion to the levels of groundcover.

Soil & Water Jeopardy

The Soil & Water Jeopardy gave gives students the opportunity to learn the basics of soil and water conservation.  By the end of the game, they realize that without these two resources, it would be impossible to grow food.  The students are taught the importance of protecting soil and water for their future.

Poster, Essay, & Limerick Contest

The Poster, Essay, & Limerick Contest gives students the opportunity to display their conservation knowledge.  Douglas County students in Kindergarten through 12th grades are eligible to enter.  Entries should be related to the use and/or conservation of natural resources.

Entries are judged on conservation theme, clarity of message, originality, neatness, and appearance.  Entries are due by December 1 of each year.  Winning entries are recognized and exhibited at the Douglas County Conservation District’s annual meeting.  First place winners are then sent on for state judging.