Taos Soil & Water Conservation District
2026 Stewardship Week Poster Contest
Soil. Where it all Begins.
The 2026 NACD Stewardship Week theme, 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.
Conservation districts across the country work every day to protect this vital resource. Through education, technical support, and local partnerships, they help landowners and communities keep soil healthy, productive, and resilient. Whether it is helping farmers manage erosion or supporting school gardens in town, conservation districts lead the way in caring for the land.
When we take care of soil, we are taking care of everything it supports. That is why soil is where it all begins.
Throughout August 2025, the NACD Stewardship and Education team will begin releasing the 2026 Education Materials. Resources will be made available in phases, starting with contest materials, hands-on project sheets, and student activity and coloring pages. The full Instructor Guide will follow shortly thereafter. Submissions for the 2026 Stewardship and Education theme contests will open on March 1, 2026.
National Association of Conservation Districts
NACD Poster and Photo Contests
Poster Contest
Who can Participate:
The contest is open to all public, private, and homeschooled students in grades K-12
What Should the Poster Look Like?
The poster should display artwork that depicts what the conservation message means to each individual. All posters should be original work from the participant. Be creative!
Category Codes
Braille Poster Contest (Braille)
Graphic Design Poster Contest (Digital)
Additional Assist Poster Contest (Assist)
Hand Drawn Poster Contest (HD)
Poster Evaluation Criteria
National Poster Contest entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Conservation Message (50%): The poster effectively conveys the theme and a clear conservation message.
• Visual Effectiveness (30%): The design is eye-catching, well-organized, and visually appealing.
• Originality (10%): The poster demonstrates creativity and fresh ideas.
• Universal Appeal (10%): The design should appeal to a broad audience and be easily understood.
Poster Awards
Chance to Win
NACD Cash Prize
State Recognition (certificate and ribbon)
Locally Sponsored Awards
Poster Submission Requirements
Submissions should be in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format.
File Name Requirement: When submitting your poster, follow the file naming format exactly to avoid disqualification. There will be no exceptions.
o Format: State_CategoryCode_GradeLevel_LastName_FirstInitial
o State: The full name of your state. Do not abbreviate.
o Category Code: “HD” to indicate a Hand Drawn poster.
o Grade Level: Your grade division
o Last Name: Complete last name. First Initial: The first initial of first name.
Example: Oklahoma_HD_2_3_McNeal_P
Each poster will need the NACD entry form completed and signed by a guardian to be eligible for judging