October 06, 2026, Gainesville, 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.

Hall County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offered the Georgia Association of Conservation District’s (GACD) poster contest to public, private and homeschooled students from 3^rd through 12^th grade in the schools throughout the Hall County 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, “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. Hall County SWCD also participated in the photo contest which reflects conservation practices. The photo contest was offered to students in the Hall County SWCD from 9^th – 12^th grades.

Entries were received from the 9^th – 12^th grade category. The 3^rd place winner was Datalie Dingler, winning $25.00. The 2^nd place winner was Madison Browning winning $50.00. The 1^st place winner was Nicole Hernandez, winning $100.00. The first-place entry will be submitted to the GACD State Poster Contest. The awards were presented to winners on October 06, 2026, at the Hall County SWCD Annual Banquet held at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville, Ga by GACD’s NE Regional Program Manager, Dana Tripp and Chairman of the Hall County SWCD Board, Mike Haynes. GACD and local Conservation Districts encourage Georgia’s youth to practice conservation efforts that benefit Georgia communities.

The Hall County Soil and Water Conservation District is a unit of state government that manages and directs natural resource management programs in Hall County. 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, and use and development of soil, water, and related resources. More information can be found at www.gacd.us/hallcounty.