Photo: The S.C. Envirothon tests students’ knowledge of five areas of environmental science and their performance on an oral presentation.
RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) is offering several conservation education programs for local students and educators during the 2026-27 school year.
The programs provide opportunities for students to participate in hands-on conservation projects, explore environmental science and learn about protecting natural resources.
For more information about the programs, visit richlandcountysc.gov/conservation or email soilandwater@richlandcountysc.gov.
Conservation Education Mini-Grants
Richland County public, private and alternative schools may apply for up to $1,000 in grant funding to support conservation-related student projects.
Eligible projects include:
- School gardens
- Outdoor classrooms
- Nature trails
- Wildlife habitats
- Rain gardens
- Composting
- Environmental stewardship activities
Eligible schools must be located in Richland County, including the City of Columbia. Schools in Lexington-Richland School District Five must serve Richland County students to qualify.
Awards are competitive and will be evaluated based on conservation impact, feasibility, student and community involvement, and educational outcomes.
There will be one mini-grant cycle for the 2026-27 school year. Applications are due September 24, and projects must be completed by June 11, 2027.
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, with receipts and a final report required.
Youth Conservation Poster Contest
The National Association of Conservation Districts’ 2027 Stewardship Week theme, “From Source to Sea: Every Drop Has a Journey,” focuses on water as an essential natural resource connecting communities and ecosystems.
RSWCD invites K-12 students in Richland County to design a poster showcasing water’s journey through the water cycle and across the landscape while highlighting ways people can help protect this vital resource.
Posters must include the words “From Source to Sea: Every Drop Has a Journey.”
Posters submitted by April 9 will be eligible for prizes at the local, state and national levels.
2027 SC Envirothon Incentives
Each spring, teams of high school students compete for scholarships and the opportunity to represent South Carolina at the NCF-Envirothon competition.
Envirothon teams are tested on their knowledge of five areas of environmental science: wildlife, forestry, soil science, aquatics and a current topic. Teams also compete in an oral presentation.
Teams consist of three to five students, plus an optional alternate, in grades 9-12.
As an incentive, RSWCD will pay the $175 team registration fee for the first three Richland County teams that submit completed registration packets to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
RSWCD will also provide a $500 stipend to the first three Richland County team coaches who submit completed registration packets to SCDNR.
The 2027 SC Envirothon competition is scheduled for April 16, with a coaches’ training session scheduled for January 30.
