AREA – The Tama Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is partnering with the National Association of Conservation Districts and Conservation Districts of Iowa in celebrating Stewardship Week from April 26 – May 3, 2026.

Kindergarten through 12th grade students who are homeschooled or who are attending a public or private school in Tama County are eligible to participate through Tama SWCD’s Stewardship Week Poster Contest. Local libraries and youth groups, such as 4-H, are invited to participate also. This year’s theme is “Soil. Where it all Begins.”

One overall winner in the county will receive a $20 award and a classroom/group pizza party. The winner at each grade level in each participating school will receive an award of $10. The SWCD’s countywide winner will be forwarded for regional competition, where the top selections in each grade category will receive $35 awards. Regional winners will be forwarded for statewide competition. Statewide winners will receive $50 awards rather than the regional award. Top statewide selections in each grade category will be forwarded for national consideration. The top three posters in each category of the national contest will receive monetary prizes: first-place winners will receive $200; second place winners will receive $150, and third place winners will receive $100.

This year’s Stewardship Week theme 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.

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.

Conservation districts across the country, like Tama SWCD, 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.

When we take care of soil, we are taking care of everything it supports. That is why soil is where it all begins.

Hand drawn poster categories are available for grades K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. The students’ posters must be on white paper, cardstock, or poster board and measure between 8½” x 11″ and 22” x 28″. Media used may include paint, crayon, pencil, colored pencil, marker, or charcoal. No 3-D effects are allowed. The 2026 Stewardship theme “Soil. Where it all Begins” must be included in the artwork, and an entry form signed by a parent or guardian must accompany the poster entry. Hand drawn posters must arrive in the Tama SWCD office at 102 Business Hwy 30W in Toledo by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1.

New in 2024, Braille posters may be submitted by students who are blind or otherwise vision impaired. Contact Mel at the Tama Soil & Water Conservation District office, 641/484-2702, extension 3 or melody.bro@ia.nacdnet.net for further details.

Digital poster categories are available for grades 7-9 and 10-12. These entries may be horizontal or vertical, measuring 8.5” x 11″. Any mixed media suitable for reproduction as a poster — such as Canva, PicMonkey, Google Slides, Photoshop, InDesign, etc. – is allowed. The artwork must be completely original with no stock images, logos, etc. other than the “Soil. Where it all Begins” logo. The poster must be submitted as a 300 dpi JPEG or PNG, and an entry form signed by a parent or guardian must accompany the poster entry. Digital posters must be emailed to melody.bro@ia.nacdnet.net by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1.

For an entry form or more information about Stewardship Week and conservation, contact Tama SWCD at 641-484-2702, extension 3. Visit the District online at https://www.facebook.com/TamaSWCD/, like the page, and watch the Stewardship Week celebrations unfold!