COVINGTON, Ga. — Education is a critical element of the conservation effort at the local, state and national levels. Educating young people about the benefits of conservation helps to ensure the next generation will be wise stewards of America’s natural resources.

Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offered the Georgia Association of Conservation District’s (GACD) poster contest to public, private and homeschooled students from sixth through eighth grade in the schools throughout the Upper Ocmulgee River SWCD. 

Each year, the winning posters reflect GACD’s annual Stewardship theme and highlight the work of Conservation Districts to protect and enhance natural resources. This year’s theme, “Home is Where the Habitat is,” highlights the essential role of both natural and managed habitats in our conservation efforts. 

There were three overall winners who were seventh grade students at Peachtree Academy. 

The third place winner was Kassidy Walton, winning $25. The second place winner was Gracie Shacklock, winning $50. The first place winner was Piper Gill, winning $100.00. 

The first place poster entry will be submitted to the GACD State Poster Contest. 

The awards were presented in Covington at the Upper Ocmulgee River SWCD meeting by Chairman Phillip Standard and GACD’s NE Regional Program Manager, Dana Tripp, on April 22. 

GACD and local Conservation Districts encourage Georgia’s youth to practice conservation efforts that benefit Georgia communities. 

The Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District is a unit of state government that manages and directs natural resource management programs in Jasper and Newton Counties. The District works with farmers, landowners, homeowners, and with other units of government to educate and actively promote programs and practices that support the conservation, use and development of soil, water, and related resources. More information can be found at www.gacd.us/upperocmulgeeriver.