Workshops are offered at various locations throughout the county, including your school; they may be one lengthy experience or several of shorter duration over time. Participants receive documentation for approval by Local Professional Development Committees. Some workshops have fees. Graduate credit for completing requirements of multiple workshops is an option at an additional fee.

Indoor and outdoor learning experiences will help educators meet state model competency-based and proficiency test standards by enhancing in students the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors with a stewardship ethic toward our natural resources.

The nation's farmers have worked at protecting soil and water resources for more than 60 years, but, in the past ten years, progress has been remarkable. The time has come to share these successful conservation practices with non-farm neighbors.

In taking those stories to the city, this project will encourage urban people to use some of the same soil conservation, water quality, wildlife habitat and natural resource protection practices farmers have been installing. More than 92 million acres of U.S. land is developed land and much of it is in the care of homeowners.

Backyard Conservation is a multifaceted cooperative project by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Wildlife Habitat Council, and the National Association of Conservation Districts

Backyard conservation practices outlined in this project are easy and most are inexpensive. Activities can be done by individuals and families, and many practices can be adapted to community gardens, schools and other public places.

By participating in backyard conservation, urban people will feel good about positive contributions to the environment and get a better understanding of conservation on all land.