A strong foundation in environmental education helps individuals make heartfelt decisions that benefit our community by tending to the delicate balance of natural systems of which we are a part. At Henricopolis we know environmental education and outreach are essential because of the deep connection they nurture between individuals and the natural world. Youth and adults alike benefit from exploring how the health of ecosystems like forests, grasslands, streams, and soils directly impact their own well-being.
Our outreach programs provide the invitations people need to navigate the challenges we face, like pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. While our education programs build the bridge between interest and informed helpful action.
Through our in-classroom programs, workshops for residents, high school contests, camps for kids, and farm tours for the public, we meet youth and adults of all ages where they are to empower and guide our community toward the sustainable use of our shared natural resources.
Education & Outreach
Intrigued?
Contact Seth Guy, Education & Outreach Specialist, at sguy@hswcd.org.
We educate and empower our youth to be environmental stewards. Here’s how:
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Fall Poster Contest
The annual Conservation Poster Context provides K-12 students a chance to convey their thoughts and feelings about the soil and water ecosystems through art.
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Envirothon Contest
A team-based natural resources competition for high school students wherein they collaboratively solve real-world environmental problems.
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K-12 Totally Totables!
Custom created, ready-to-teach environmental education kits for Henrico County Public Schools teachers that make teaching easy and learning interactive.
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Scholarship Awards
Through an endowment with the Colonial Agricultural Education Foundation we offer an academic scholarship for a university-bound Henrico student.
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Learning Landscapes
Soil & Water Learning Landscapes offer hands-on education to Henrico County students through on-site gardens and curricula that teach them lessons that last.
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Leadership Institute
'YCLI' is an exciting program for high school students wherein volunteer service and environmental stewardship culminate in a community conservation project.
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Conservation Camp
The Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts hosts a summer camp for high school students that offers hands-on learning about Virginia's ecosystems.
Eric Byers, HCPS Environmental Science Education Director
“Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District has been an invaluable and dependable partner, consistently providing expertise and resources that enhance our environmental education programs and foster stewardship among our students.”
Sean, Henrico Resident
"My VCAP project has taken off and can handle all the rainwater we receive and provides a nice screen and food for birds and pollinators."
Melinda, Henrico Resident
"We most likely would not have done the project without the grant; it was inspirational to us and it inspired us to do future projects with or without funding to continue erosion control efforts."
Don’t miss our annual tree seedling giveway!
Henricopolis partners with The Department of Forestry to give away thousands of native tree seedlings at area parks and libraries, usually in conjunction with Earth Day festivities on April 12, 2025!
Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the know.
Upcoming adult programs? Stay tuned!
