2026 Poster Contest Theme:
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Soil. Where It All Begins.
The New Jersey Conservation Poster Contest is an annual contest, sponsored by the NJ Department of Agriculture, the NJ Association of Conservation Districts and the Burlington County Soil Conservation District, which aims to promote a better understanding of the connection between natural resources and humans, in a fun and creative way that engages students throughout the county, state and nation. Submit your poster entry by 4:00pm on March 13, 2026: Tim Robinson Burlington County Soil Conservation District 1971 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road Columbus, NJ 08022 |
The Burlington County Soil Conservation District is excited to sponsor the 2026 Poster Contest! This year's theme is "Soil. Where It All Begins."
The contest is open to all students in grades 2-12, with entries divided into specific grade groups. At the county level, the Burlington County Soil Conservation District will award First, Second, and Third Place winners in each group with prizes of $200, $100, and $50, respectively. Additionally, a special Grand Champion will be selected and awarded an extra $100!
All First Place entries from Burlington County will advance to the Statewide Competition, where they’ll compete for even more cash prizes: $200 for First Place, $100 for Second Place, and $50 for Third Place. Statewide winners will then have the chance to move on to the National Competition!
Soil. Where It All Begins, celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. Soil is not just the ground we walk on. It is the starting point for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities. From backyard gardens to forests and city parks, everything begins with what is beneath our feet.
Soil does a lot more than grow plants. It holds water, cycles nutrients, and provides homes for billions of living organisms that help keep nature in balance. It keeps roots in place, helps prevent flooding, and supports wildlife and people alike. The trees in our neighborhoods, the food on our tables, and the natural places we love all depend on healthy soils.
For information please contact Tim Robinson.
The contest is open to all students in grades 2-12, with entries divided into specific grade groups. At the county level, the Burlington County Soil Conservation District will award First, Second, and Third Place winners in each group with prizes of $200, $100, and $50, respectively. Additionally, a special Grand Champion will be selected and awarded an extra $100!
All First Place entries from Burlington County will advance to the Statewide Competition, where they’ll compete for even more cash prizes: $200 for First Place, $100 for Second Place, and $50 for Third Place. Statewide winners will then have the chance to move on to the National Competition!
Soil. Where It All Begins, celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. Soil is not just the ground we walk on. It is the starting point for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities. From backyard gardens to forests and city parks, everything begins with what is beneath our feet.
Soil does a lot more than grow plants. It holds water, cycles nutrients, and provides homes for billions of living organisms that help keep nature in balance. It keeps roots in place, helps prevent flooding, and supports wildlife and people alike. The trees in our neighborhoods, the food on our tables, and the natural places we love all depend on healthy soils.
For information please contact Tim Robinson.
The New Jersey Envirothon
2026 Current Topic: "Non-Point Source Pollution: It begins at home!"
Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education
140 Camp Lighthouse Rd, (Entrance at 7th St and Navajo Dr),
Waretown, NJ 08758
Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education
140 Camp Lighthouse Rd, (Entrance at 7th St and Navajo Dr),
Waretown, NJ 08758
About the NCF-Envirothon
More information about the Envirothon HERE!
The first five teams from Burlington County to return this completed application will be eligible to receive a grant of $50 to be used towards the 2024 New Jersey Envirothon.
The top place team from the New Jersey Envirothon will have the opportunity to represent New Jersey at the 2025 NCF-Envirothon being held at:
2026 NCF-Envirothon Mississippi Competition
July 19 - 25, 2026
Starkville, Mississippi
Attention High School Students, Advisors, and Home Schoolers!
Are you ready for an exciting and enriching challenge?
The NJ Envirothon is back for 2026, and it’s time to dive into one of the most dynamic environmental education programs available! Whether you're a student, advisor, or home-school educator, this is your opportunity to engage with nature in a hands-on way and make a real impact.
The 2026 NJ Envirothon will spotlight this year’s theme:
“Non-Point Source Pollution: It begins at home!”
Students will explore how everyday actions affect our water, soil, and ecosystems, and how solutions start right in our own communities.
The NJ Envirothon is a team-based competition that challenges high school students to build knowledge across a wide range of natural resource topics. From soils and forestry to aquatics, wildlife ecology, and current environmental issues, the Envirothon encourages students to think critically and work together. Teams collaborate to tackle complex problems, exchange diverse viewpoints, and practice decision-making by consensus, an essential skill in today’s world.
The competition emphasizes experiential learning. Teams engage in hands-on activities that mirror real-world environmental challenges, preparing them for both the testing format and a deeper commitment to stewardship.
For advisors and coaches, the NJ Envirothon provides valuable resources. Training sessions and study guides are available to help teams prepare, with opportunities to learn directly from professionals across environmental fields. These interactions enrich students’ learning experiences while highlighting potential career paths in conservation and natural resources.
The 2026 NJ Envirothon is a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a competitive yet supportive setting. It’s also a chance to connect with other environmentally minded students, showcase your team’s skills, and take part in meaningful conversations about protecting New Jersey’s natural resources.
Get Involved
Start preparing your team today! For details on the competition, resources, and training opportunities, please contact:
Tim Robinson: [email protected]
Don’t miss this opportunity to challenge yourself, work with peers, and make a difference. We look forward to your participation in the 2026 NJ Envirothon!
More information about the Envirothon HERE!
The first five teams from Burlington County to return this completed application will be eligible to receive a grant of $50 to be used towards the 2024 New Jersey Envirothon.
The top place team from the New Jersey Envirothon will have the opportunity to represent New Jersey at the 2025 NCF-Envirothon being held at:
2026 NCF-Envirothon Mississippi Competition
July 19 - 25, 2026
Starkville, Mississippi
Attention High School Students, Advisors, and Home Schoolers!
Are you ready for an exciting and enriching challenge?
The NJ Envirothon is back for 2026, and it’s time to dive into one of the most dynamic environmental education programs available! Whether you're a student, advisor, or home-school educator, this is your opportunity to engage with nature in a hands-on way and make a real impact.
The 2026 NJ Envirothon will spotlight this year’s theme:
“Non-Point Source Pollution: It begins at home!”
Students will explore how everyday actions affect our water, soil, and ecosystems, and how solutions start right in our own communities.
The NJ Envirothon is a team-based competition that challenges high school students to build knowledge across a wide range of natural resource topics. From soils and forestry to aquatics, wildlife ecology, and current environmental issues, the Envirothon encourages students to think critically and work together. Teams collaborate to tackle complex problems, exchange diverse viewpoints, and practice decision-making by consensus, an essential skill in today’s world.
The competition emphasizes experiential learning. Teams engage in hands-on activities that mirror real-world environmental challenges, preparing them for both the testing format and a deeper commitment to stewardship.
For advisors and coaches, the NJ Envirothon provides valuable resources. Training sessions and study guides are available to help teams prepare, with opportunities to learn directly from professionals across environmental fields. These interactions enrich students’ learning experiences while highlighting potential career paths in conservation and natural resources.
The 2026 NJ Envirothon is a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a competitive yet supportive setting. It’s also a chance to connect with other environmentally minded students, showcase your team’s skills, and take part in meaningful conversations about protecting New Jersey’s natural resources.
Get Involved
Start preparing your team today! For details on the competition, resources, and training opportunities, please contact:
Tim Robinson: [email protected]
Don’t miss this opportunity to challenge yourself, work with peers, and make a difference. We look forward to your participation in the 2026 NJ Envirothon!
Soil Textural Triangle
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Back to School & Back to Basics
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are placing a renewed emphasis on soil health. As children get ready to go back to school, we will also be thinking about public outreach and conservation activities for children of all ages. The following information includes resources and ideas that you may find helpful as you plan outreach activities in your community.
Please visit the NACD website for further information:
www.nacdnet.org/education
Please visit the NACD website for further information:
www.nacdnet.org/education
Soil Health Theater
The USDA/NRCS Soil Health Theater has a library of videos from some of America’s top soil health experts and innovative soil health farmers. Videos include demonstrations on soil health to videos featuring farmers who are farming with Soil Health Management Systems. Season two: Digging Deeper: The Science of Soil Health coming soon! Check out the USDA/NRCS You Tube video on Under 'cover' farmers of Stanley County. This video followers three North Carolina farmers as they utilize soil health management systems on their respective farms.
The Online Watershed Library (OWL)
The Online Watershed Library (OWL) is a service provided by the Center for Watershed Protection that allows ready access to Center publications and other resources (research papers, tools, and stormwater manuals, among others) that support best practices in watershed and stormwater management. OWL is a searchable, online database of basic information, stormwater and watershed manuals and plans, assessment tools, regulatory information, and other watershed-related resources. Users may also submit materials for inclusion in the OWL.
OWL was developed to be a time-saver for watershed and stormwater practitioners as it provides users access to a well-organized database of relevant and up-to-date information. Due to copyright protection, not all publications included in OWL are available for download and in such circumstances, a link to the publication is provided.
www.cwp.org/online-watershed-library-owl
OWL was developed to be a time-saver for watershed and stormwater practitioners as it provides users access to a well-organized database of relevant and up-to-date information. Due to copyright protection, not all publications included in OWL are available for download and in such circumstances, a link to the publication is provided.
www.cwp.org/online-watershed-library-owl
Neha Blunt, an outstanding individual, submitted her app to the Congressional App Challenge, and we are thrilled to announce that Congressman Andy Kim recognized her app as one of the winning entries. Remarkably, Neha, the youngest participant, achieved 3rd place in this esteemed competition, competing against high school students. This accomplishment significantly contributes to Neha's mission of raising awareness for water conservation. For further details, please refer to the press release by Congressman Andy Kim, highlighting Neha's impressive achievement in securing the 3rd position in the app challenge.