Celebrating 60 years of Soil and Water Stewardship is a milestone for the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). In 1954 The Farm and Ranch magazine asked NACD to consider making the event a national program. It had been held in a few southern states for several years as part of the magazine’s program. The 1954 NACD officers decided to take on the obligation of a nation-wide observance. The first soil and water stewardship week was held in 1955.  The nation-wide observance assists in reminding landowners of their duty to be good stewards of the land. Stewardship is something landowners feel very strong about. This quote by Aldo Leopold sums up the importance conservation.

When the land does well for its owner, and the owner does well by his land—when both end up better by reason of their partnership—then we have conservation. – Aldo Leopold

Stewardship Week is officially celebrated from the last Sunday in April to the first Sunday in May. It is one of the world’s largest conservation-related observances. The Stewardship concept involves personal and social responsibility, including a duty to learn about and improve natural resources as we use them wisely, leaving a rich legacy for future generations. The program relies on locally led conservation districts sharing and promoting stewardship and conservation activities. Districts provide conservation and stewardship field days, programs, workshops and additional outreach efforts throughout their community to educate citizens about the need to care for our resources. Many district activities extend beyond the one-week observance to include an entire year of outreach.

This year soil and water stewardship week is April 26 to May 3, 2015. The theme is “Local Heroes Your Hardworking Pollinators.” Pollinators are an important component of many of the foods and fibers we use worldwide. Outreach is important to let youth and adults know how they can assist in providing habitat and understanding their importance.

Stewardship Week helps to remind us all of the power each person has to conserve natural resources and improve the world. When everyone works together with their local conservation district, that power continuously grows. There are many resources available for you to learn about natural resources in your community. Be sure to contact your local conservation to find out about these resources.

Tags: NACD, conservation districts, conservation education, Local Heroes Your Hardworking Pollinators, National Association of Conservation Districts, pollinators, Soil and Water Stewardship Week, Stewardship