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. 

Summer conservation camp is an experience a child never forgets, and you can help make that life-long memory possible for kids in your community. Young people need an inviting way to connect to the outdoors these days more than ever before. Some need financial assistance to do that.

The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit organization, provides conservation educational opportunities to Kentucky youth through privately funded scholarships and corporate donations. In addition, the Foundation provides funds for facility improvements at the three Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources conservation camps.

The Kenton County Conservation District sponsors two youth campers annually, as funding permits, from Kenton County to attend Conservation Camp.

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.