To drive home the message that conservation is a universal concern for people of all ages, the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD) promotes and participates in a number of initiatives through the National Association of Conservation Districts, including the annual NACD poster contest for youth and the NACD amateur photo contest for youth and adults.

Moreover, the annual Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge, launched in part with grant support from NACD, sheds light on NACD Stewardship Week, celebrated annually since 1955 between the last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in May.

NACD Conservation Education Hub

For more on conservation research, awareness and workshop training materials, visit the NACD Conservation Education Hub, where people of all ages can learn more about current contests. Also, about how best to preserve our natural resources, with information about curriculum, pollination, classroom resources, career workshops and more.

NACD Amateur Photo Contest

Photographers interested in the 2023 NACD Amateur Photo Contest for Youth and Adults can submit up to five photos in each of the four contest categories: (1) Agriculture and Conservation Across America, (2) Close-Up Conservation, (3) Conservation in Action, and (4) Conservation Practices.

One winner is to be selected in each category and age division. The adult division is for entrants ages 19 and older as of Dec. 1, 2023. Placing first and second at the national level nets cash prizes of $100 and $50, respectively. Prizes are sponsored in part by the NACD Auxiliary, including through its quilt project proceeds.

Judging criteria includes technical merit (well-framed, properly exposed, sharp/clean) and composition (imagination and creativity). Winners are to be announced at the NACD annual meeting in February 2024. The contest deadline is Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

Download Interactive Contest Flyer (scroll down for flyer image)

2023 NACD Poster Contest

The national winners of the 2023 NACD Youth Poster Contest will be revealed as well at the NACD 2024 annual meeting in February. Placing first in district, area and state competition allows for entrance into the national showdown, for which entrants used their artwork to explore "One Water," the 2023 contest theme.

En route to national competition, entrants compete at the district, area and state levels. In the running for national honors through the HSWCD entry point are both Ava Nari Yoo and Leticia Orrego, in the K-1 and 7-9 grade categories, respectively.

Also from Hillsborough, at the state level, Nicole Humphreys (grades 2-3) and Tanishka Chinthamaneni (grades 4-6) placed second. Lucca Pfenning (grades 10-12) placed third.

At the district level, Lilliana Pfenning and Mia Tortorice placed second and third, respectively, for grades 2-3. Arahcelyz J. DeJesus and Jexli Chavez placed second and third, respectively, for grades 4-6, with honorable mention going to Tyler Woods. Saanvi Chinthamaneni and Sharanya Prasad placed second and third, respectively, for grades 7-9, with honorable mention going to SrimaniBalaDurgam. Colin Boyle placed second for grades 10-12.

2024 NACD Youth Photo Contest

Upcoming is the 2024 HSWCD/NACD Youth Poster Contest and its forest-focused, Star Wars-related theme, "May The Forest Be With You." Stay tuned for details on how to enter at the district level!

The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District is a proud supporter of conservation awareness efforts. Call: 813-347-6706.