By Barbara Bleiweis, Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District 

The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is sparking a new wave of conservation education in North Carolina’s Charlotte-Mecklenburg region through Pupil to Practitioner, a hands-on pilot program designed to inspire and equip underserved students with the tools to become tomorrow’s environmental leaders. With support from NACD’s 2023 Outreach and Technical Assistance Grants program, the district has joined forces with three influential partners: Harvesting Humanity, LLC; Deep Roots CPS Farm; and Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Together, they’re building conservation knowledge, strengthening community connections, and paving students’ paths to step into conservation roles within their communities and beyond. 

Harvesting Humanity, LLC: Bringing Conservation to Life 

Harvesting Humanity, LLC (HH) takes a unique, creative approach to conservation, blending art, multimedia, and environmental education to engage K-12 students in hands-on learning. For Earth Day, HH students dove into soil health with an interactive scavenger hunt and crafted poetry focused on environmental themes. They gained practical insights into soil conservation with the district’s mobile soil classroom kits. By making learning dynamic and multisensory, HH connects students to conservation in memorable ways. Looking ahead, they’re eyeing the Envirothon, exploring how to form a competitive team that could take their conservation knowledge to the next level. 

Deep Roots Community Planning Solutions Farm: Growing Community, Food Access, and Opportunity

Deep Roots Community Planning Solutions Farm is transforming urban communities’ connection with agriculture, food security, and conservation. Through Pupil to Practitioner, they’re rolling out an urban agriculture outreach plan to engage more urban farms and Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) growers and increase community involvement in state agriculture cost-share programs. Deep Roots doesn’t just talk about community—they live it. Their Grower’s Network brings farmers together monthly to share insights. Grant funding supports their certified farm apprentice program, youth summer programs, and celebrated Farm to Table dinners. These events are an opportunity for local leaders to see conservation and food production firsthand, creating a robust dialogue on the role of conservation in urban communities. 

Johnson C. Smith University: Elevating Future Conservation Leaders 

At Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), Charlotte’s historically Black university, senior sustainability students are stepping directly into conservation work through urban agriculture projects, working in Sustainability Village and the Rosa Parks Farmers Market. Through Pupil to Practitioner, these students also team up with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services for watershed testing and community outreach, opening doors to internships and job opportunities in conservation and public service. By immersing students in real-world conservation challenges, JCSU is creating a launchpad for careers in environmental leadership, bridging academic knowledge with practical experience. 

Building Lasting Impact 

With enthusiasm surging among students, educators, and community leaders, Pupil to Practitioner shows the power of grassroots conservation education. The Mecklenburg SWCD has committed to actively listening and learning from its partners, ensuring the program’s support aligns with community goals. As the grant period wraps up, each partner will deliver an outreach plan with recommendations to keep the momentum going and sustain this wave of community engagement. 

Pupil to Practitioner isn’t just about education—it’s about creating pathways, empowering youth, and strengthening communities. This program exemplifies how, with local partnerships and hands-on learning, conservation can be a transformative force, sparking environmental leadership and action where it’s needed most.