As a part of Fayette County since 1947, the Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District wants to remind you that each of us has a connection to natural resources. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is celebrating the 61st year of Stewardship Week.

The 2016 Stewardship theme hinges around the theme, “We All Need Trees.” Trees provide us with a multitude of benefits and services including, but not limited to: clean air and water, healthy soil, shade, wood products, fuel and jobs.

This year, Miami Trace Middle School and Washington Middle School participated in a poster contest for this year’s NACD theme, “We All Need Trees.” Kroger donated the bags for the students to create their artwork for the contest. The bags will be given back to the store for residents to enjoy the students’ designs.

“This year we gave away over 150 white pine seedlings to students that participated in the poster contest,” said Brigitte Hisey, Natural Resource Specialist. “I like the anonymous quote of the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now. It is great to see young people excited about planting trees.”

“Educating the public about the importance of trees in our daily lives is an essential part of what NACD advocates for through natural resource conservation and is the essence of this year’s Stewardship theme,” said NACD President Lee McDaniel. “Trees and forests are critical to providing clean air and water, healthy soil, abundant wildlife habitat, and valuable products we use every day.”

The Fayette SWCD can assist you in learning more about trees and the species native to your area of the country. They can also provide insight on tree planting, care and maintenance as well as information for how to protect tress from invasive species. Districts have a long-standing history of working with state and private forest owners in helping promote and safeguard our nation’s forested lands.

Fayette SWCD is a member of NACD, which oversees the Stewardship theme program. Stewardship Week is one of the largest national annual programs to promote conservation. NACD represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, which were established to encourage resource conservation across the country.

For more information about conservation practices contact us 740-636-0279.

This article was submitted by the Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District.

The Washington C.H. Middle School poster contest winners: (left to right) art teacher Mrs. Rose, third place and third county winner Mac Miller, second place Halie Wagner, first place school winner and first place county winner Caroline Frederick.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/05/web1_WCH.jpgThe Washington C.H. Middle School poster contest winners: (left to right) art teacher Mrs. Rose, third place and third county winner Mac Miller, second place Halie Wagner, first place school winner and first place county winner Caroline Frederick.

Miami Trace Middle School seventh and eighth grade winners: Brigitte Hisey, Fayette SWCD, first place Indica Wilson, second place Jasmine Knight, third place Bridget Perkins, and art teacher Mrs. Mincy.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/05/web1_7th-8th-MT.jpgMiami Trace Middle School seventh and eighth grade winners: Brigitte Hisey, Fayette SWCD, first place Indica Wilson, second place Jasmine Knight, third place Bridget Perkins, and art teacher Mrs. Mincy.

Kroger employees with the artwork: left to right, Sherry Showalter, Vicki Johnson, Barbie Dowler, John McCoppin, Brandy Benett and Chasity Dean.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/05/web1_IMG_0532.jpgKroger employees with the artwork: left to right, Sherry Showalter, Vicki Johnson, Barbie Dowler, John McCoppin, Brandy Benett and Chasity Dean.

The Miami Trace Middle School poster contest winners: (left to right) third place Hailey Hanicker, second place Kennedy Kelley, first place Sidney Payton, and second place county winner and art teacher Mrs. Mincey.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/05/web1_MT-6th-grade.jpgThe Miami Trace Middle School poster contest winners: (left to right) third place Hailey Hanicker, second place Kennedy Kelley, first place Sidney Payton, and second place county winner and art teacher Mrs. Mincey.