Education/Outreach
Education
The Ford County SWCD Scholarship has been established by the Ford County Soil and Water Conservation District to assist outstanding agricultural students at any Illinois College. The student awarded the scholarship should demonstrate superior agricultural academic achievement, commitment to soil and water conservation and potential for innovation and/or leadership ability. The Ford County SWCD Scholarship is awarded in May of the academic year. The 2026 scholarship award will be $1,000.
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For more information view the Scholarship Application here!
Ford County Soil & Water Conservation District Scholarship 2026
Each year, Ford County Soil and Water Conservation District Visits the 3rd grade classrooms at both PBL and GCMS to celebrate Arbor Day with the students. During these visits Ford County SWCD Staff teaches the third graders about the importance about trees, conservation, and caring for the environment. To help them put these lessons into practice, each student receives a bare-root white pine tree to take home and plant. This annual tradition not only supports hands-on learning but also encourages students to become future stewards of the land.
Outreach
Ford County Soil and Water maintains a booth at the Ford County Fair each year to engage with the community! The booth features programs, conservation initiatives, and services, along with additional resources designed to help community members better understand and engage with local soil and water efforts. This annual presence at the fair allows Ford County SWCD to connect with residents, answer questions, and share valuable information with anyone interested in learning more.