National Association of Conservation Districts

Education Resources by Topic

NACD has a long history of developing conservation education materials for use in schools, scouts organizations, 4-H organizations, after school programs, field days and other outreach events. Our placemat/activity sheets have been used in local restaurants and senior centers as well as with students. Bookmarks have been utilized for summer reading programs or to have at local doctor offices for promotion of conservation and its benefit to every citizen. The materials are designed for use in communities to promote conservation of our natural resources.

Energy
Each day we read about the need for energy conservation and alternative energy sources. Energy plays a large role in our daily lives. We need energy to have electricity and run our automobiles. It even takes energy to make our bodies move. Visit this page for an educators guide and links to enhance your energy education outreach. 

Forestry
We want to connect people to the forest whether they have one in their back yard, in their state or no forests at all. We all have a connection to the trees in the forest that provide wood for our homes, furniture or cork for the center of our baseballs. We can thank trees that help clean the air we breathe. Trees play an important part in the lives of many farmers across the nation, for food we eat, how forests are managed and products we received from them. Forests are great to hike in as well as watching wildlife and birds. Forests are great to hike in as well as watching wildlife and birds. There is a lot to learn about forests!

Habitat
There are plenty of conservation habits that help conserve water, provide shelter for animals, birds and insects as well as increase their food supply.  Habitats are all across North America and around the world. You can find them in forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, arctic tundra as well as right outside your backdoor and in your community.  A variety of resource material is located on this site to help you develop a rain garden, design a rain barrel or plant native plants to enhance your community.

Soils
The entire earth—every ecosystem, every living organism—is dependent upon soils. NACD, Smithsonian Institution, Soil Science Society of America partnered to develop soils education material entitled DIG IT! The Secrets of Soil to complement the Smithsonian Soils exhibit. Use these products and additional outreach material to promote the importance of soil in your community.

Water
Water is important to us each and every day, and we all must work together to take care of it. You can utilized the Water Is Life education materials and additional outreach material to work with your local schools and community and expand students' knowledge about this valuable natural resource.

Additional topics will be added as resources are produced. Keep checking back for new information! Contact Susan Schultz, NACD Stewardship and Education Coordinator, with questions or suggestions regarding conservation education resources.