EDUCATION

This competitive, problem-solving, natural resources experience is for students in grades 9 - 12. The topics are soils, forestry, water, and wildlife, with a selected environmental issue each year. State winners progress to national competition. Prizes, including the national prize of $25,000 in scholarships, are awarded at all levels of competition. Teams of five students are formed in a school. School teams must be registered with their Conservation District by December 1. Regional and state competitions are in April and May. 

You may be eligible of a KACD scholarship! Scholarship opportunities are available for students pursuing careers in agriculture and natural resources. Three $1,000 statewide scholarships are offered by the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts Auxiliary. The Conservation of Natural Resources Scholarship is for students currently enrolled in college; the George Crafton Memorial Scholarship is for high school seniors entering college the next fall; and another is for non-traditional students.
 

The Kentucky Division of Conservation sponsors the Jim Claypool Art and Conservation Writing contests each year.  Introduced in 1974 and 1944, respectively, the contest topic rotates between soil, water, forestry and wildlife conservation. Students take the knowledge they have gained and transform it into creative art work and essays. Materials, including a student brochure with teaching guide, are available in early September. Student entries are due December 1 to the local Conservation District. Prizes are awarded on county, area, and state levels. 

Morning View Heritage Area, owned and operated by the Kenton County Conservation District, offers nature studies and scientific research opportunities. A permit is required to conduct research or field studies on property.  Contact the Kenton County Conservation District for additional information.

Numerous studies and research have been performed at the MVHA.  Here are a few examples:

• Students at the Thomas More Biology Field Station studied muskrat predation of fresh water mussels on the Licking River at MVHA. 
• Research on the sweet underwing moth and hawthorn trees. 
• Biologist/birder has been identifying birds to add to  our current inventory.  
• Botanical/tree map of the MVHA contributed as part of MVHA’s permanent botanical inventory records.  

The Kenton County Conservation District provides conservation education to kids and adults.

We are able to provide multiple subjects of conservation education from trees to water. Our field day presentations can range from kindergarten classes to high school. We also present to local groups such as Cattlemen's Associations about best management practices and what cost share opportunities there are for different operations. 

Contact the Kenton County Conservation District for additional information.