Education
The Garrett Soil Conservation District is actively involved in educating the community about conservation in a number of ways.
Presentations
The Garrett Soil Conservation District holds informational presentations when they are requested by various schools, clubs, or other organizations. Our goal is to educate individuals about soil and water conservation. We have a rain simulator, and we can help individuals see the results of good management practices and their effects on erosion.
If your club or organization would like to talk to us about scheduling a presentation, please contact our office at 301-501-5886.
Scholarships
The District grants one to two $1,000 scholarships annually to assist a Garrett County student in pursuing a degree in agriculture, natural resources or related environmental fields.
Eligibility guidelines now allow college students and previous winners to apply, as well as high school seniors and individuals that have graduated but will be attending college in the fall. In order to qualify, the student must meet the following requirements.
- High school senior, high school graduate planning to attend college this fall, or enrolled in college
- Attending (or attended) high school as a Garrett County resident, in either public school, private school, or homeschool
- Have a high school or college grade point average of 3.0 or better
- Major in agricultural, natural resources, or related field
Previous winners are eligible, but preference will be given to first time applicants.
Completed applications and transcripts, along with a one-page essay are due to the Conservation District Office by May 1.
Selection of the recipient will be made by the Garrett Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
Transcripts Guidelines:
- High school seniors – High school transcript
- Graduated but not in college yet – High school transcript
- In college but less than 24 credits completed – High school transcript and college transcript
- Over 24 college credits – College transcript
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
In 2026, the District was able to give away four $1,000 scholarship. Two were funded with the GSCD annual scholarship and the other two were paid for by a grant from the Sustain Our Future Foundation.
Envirothon
Students in the Pits!
The Envirothon is a problem-solving natural resource competition open to all students in grades 9 through 12. Teams of five students each are tested on their knowledge in five natural resource areas: aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife, and a current environmental issue. Teams form in the fall and prepare for the competition over the course of the school year. Winning teams progress through local, state, and international competitions. The District assists the Envirothon program with training, transportation, and materials.
This year’s Envirothon Spring County Training Day was held at Camp Hickory on Wednesday, April 12. Competition Day was held on Wednesday, April 26.
Teams participating in Envirothon
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Garrett Agricultural Fair 4-H Booth Competition
For years, the Garrett Soil Conservation District sponsored a contest at the Garrett County Agricultural Fair to increase conservation awareness. 4-H clubs around the county were invited to participate by creating a display that depicts soil conservation. That contest, as of 2026, has become a photography contest, which you will read more about next.
Finzel 4-H Club Best of Show
Finzel 4-H club chose to do a display about soil conservation in agriculture.
Friendsville Fireflies 4-H Club 2nd Place
The Friendsville Fireflies created their display focusing on Rotational Grazing, a soil conservation best practice.