Each year the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) sponsors a Conservation Poster Contest. The contest is open to K-12th grade students within the LENRD boundaries.
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, along with the NRDs here in Nebraska, 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. Districts also provide free education resources to schools, families, and community groups to inspire the next generation of soil stewards and help people of all ages connect with conservation in meaningful ways. 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!