Poster Contest
The 2026 NACD Stewardship Week theme, Soil. Where it all Begins, celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. The poster contest theme follows the annual Stewardship Theme.
“If you don’t dig up the dirt too much and try not to walk on it a lot, you help keep the homes and tunnels of earthworms and good fungi safe. These creatures and their tunnels help move food in the soil, which helps your plants grow strong and healthy.”
The annual National Conservation Poster Contest provides students in second through twelfth grade an opportunity to convey their thoughts about soil, water and related natural resource issues through art. It also highlights the educational outreach efforts of conservation districts and their state conservation associations, auxiliaries and agencies.
The NJ Conservation Poster Contest is co-sponsored by:
- NJ Association of Conservation Districts
- NJ local Soil Conservation Districts
- National Association of Conservation Districts
- NACD Auxiliary
Each year, the poster contest starts at the district level. It is important to check with your local district to verify participation and local deadlines before creating your poster. Individuals and teachers with questions regarding district contests should contact their local Soil Conservation District (SCD). District winners advance to the state level. For questions regarding state competitions, districts should contact their state association. Finally, state winners advance to the National Contest. National winners are recognized each year at the NACD Annual Meeting.
Who Can Participate?
The Conservation Poster Contest is open to all students in grades 2-12 in public, private, home school and youth groups.
Why Participate?
Designing a poster and researching the theme can give you a voice in your community about important conservation issues. Good posters capture people’s attention and deliver stories in a way that everyone can understand. A powerful graphic can inspire people to be concerned about conservation.
Poster Evaluations
- Relevance to Contest Theme
- Conservation Message
- Visual Effectiveness
- Originality
- Overall Appeal
Contest Theme must appear in the poster!
Download the NJ Conservation Poster Contest Brochure below for official rules and more information.
Resources
You can find resources at your school or public library, science books, local newspapers, nature centers and from the Stewardship & Education section on the NACD website. Get guidance from your teacher or parents to find information on the Internet.
Create an effective poster
The National Association of Conservation Districts (www.nacdnet.org) provides links to assist with creating posters. Click on the “Stewardship & Education” tab and find “Poster Contest” under “Contests” for an overview of the theme, and for tips on what makes a good poster and the National Visual Arts Standards.
2026 Web Resources
- https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/health/
- https://www.nutrientsforlife.org/for-students
- https://www.soils4kids.org/about
- https://lifeunderyourfeet.org/en/soileco/intro/whatis.asp
- https://www.nacdnet.org/general-resources/stewardship-program/
- https://www.soils4teachers.org/soil-and-environment
- https://www.farmers.gov/conservation/soil-health
- https://www.soils.org/files/about-soils/soils-overview.pdf
- https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainssoil
- https://www.sare.org/resources/building-soils-for-better-crops/
- https://organiclandcare.rutgers.edu/guides/the-life-of-the-soil/
Did you know?
Soil is not just the ground we walk on. It is the starting point for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities. From backyard gardens to forests and city parks, everything begins with what is beneath our feet.
Soil Conservation Districts Help Soil
Since the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, along with state and federal agencies, have worked to reduce soil erosion and water degradation. Through education outreach and technical assistance to land owners, residents learn of the importance of our natural resources.