Each year, the National Association of Conservation Districts holds a poster contest. The theme for 2026 is: "Soil. Where it all Begins"
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Conservation districts across the country work every day to protect this vital resource. Through education, technical support, and local partnerships, they help landowners and communities keep soil healthy, productive, and resilient.
Districts also provide free educational resources to schools, families, and community groups to inspire the next generation of soil stewards and help people of all ages connect with conservation in meaningful ways. Whether it is helping farmers manage erosion or supporting school gardens in town, conservation districts lead the way in caring for the land.
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When we take care of soil, we are taking care of everything it supports. That is why soil is where it all begins.
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Participating in the Conservation District Poster Contest is not just about artistry; it's a powerful way to engage our community and promote the mission of conservation.
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The NACD Poster Contest provides students from kindergarten through 12th grade a chance to have their art displayed nationally. ​All participants are encouraged to create posters that celebrate inclusivity and the importance of our natural resources.
2026 Theme:
"Soil. Where it all Begins"
The 2026 NACD Stewardship Week theme, "Soil. Where It All Begins", celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. 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.
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Soil does a lot more than grow plants. It holds water, cycles nutrients, and provides homes for billions of living organisms that help keep nature in balance. It keeps roots in place, helps prevent flooding, and supports wildlife and people alike. The trees in our neighborhoods, the food on our tables, and the natural places we love all depend on healthy soils.
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Learn more at: nacdnet.org/contests/
Contest questions? Email stewardship@nacdnet.org
2026 NACD PHOTO CONTEST
The 2026 NACD Photo Contest is open for submissions until December 1, 2026. Winners will be announced during NACD’s Annual Meeting in February 2027. ​NACD and the NACD Auxiliary host an annual Photo Contest, open to all amateur photographers who reside in the U.S. or its territories.
Contestants are allowed to enter as many as FIVE (5) photos each year that each fit into one of the following four categories:
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Conservation Practices
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Examples: Contour Buffer Strips, Contour Farming and Strip Cropping, Cover Crops, Critical Area Planting, Crop Residue Management, Crop Rotation, Diversions, Field Borders, Grade Stabilization Structures (dam/embankment), Grass Waterways, Livestock Management, Manure Storage and Runoff Control, Nutrient Management, Pasture Planting, Pest Management, Riparian Buffer, Rotational Grazing, Stream Bank and Shoreline Stabilization, Terraces, Tree Planting, Upland Wildlife Habitat, Water and Sediment Control Basin, Well Abandonment, Wetland Restoration, Wildlife Food Plot, Windbreaks, and Woodlot Management​
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Close-up Conservation
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Aquatic Insects, Water, Crops, Plants, Soil, Sediment, Farm Animals, Irrigation, Flowers, Worms, Roots, Compost​
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Conservation in Action
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Conservation districts in action; conservation planning; district events (community meetings, field days, fairs, exhibits); farmers or landowners (conservation-related events, etc.); interaction with landowners; irrigating crops or watering flowers; office staff at work; supervisors or board members at meetings; technical staff at work; youth (school programs, speech, poster contests, Envirothon, on-farm, conservation-related events, etc.) ​
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Agriculture and Conservation Across America
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Barns, Crops, Farm Practices, Farmers or landowners, Fence Rows,
Grazing,
Implements and Tools, Livestock, Pasture,
Ponds, Ranching, Tree Farm, Youth ​
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One winner will be selected for each category and age division (adults are 19 and older as of December 1, 2025.) Each first place winner at the national level will receive a $100 cash prize. Second place winners will receive $50. Honorable mention award winners will also be selected for each category but will not receive a monetary award. Click here for complete rules.
Questions? Contact NACD at stewardship@nacdnet.org