Educational Programs

2026 Poster Contest 

Eligibility

  • The Okeechobee Soil and Water Conservation District Poster Contest is open to Okeechobee County students (public, private or home educated) grades kindergarten through grade twelfth.
  • ENTRY DEADLINE: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 4:00PM

Contest Rules

  • Any media may be used to create a flat or two-dimensional effect (paint, crayon, colored pencil, charcoal, stickers, paper or other materials on regular posters).
  • Poster size must be between 8.5”x11” and 22”x28”.
  • Posters should be packaged so they remain flat when submitted to OSWCD.
  • All posters must be created by an individual student rather than a team of students.
  • The words/theme: "Soil. Where It all Begins" must be included in the artwork.
  • Each entry must have a signed entry form affixed to back of poster to be eligible for judging.
  • Although younger students will most likely receive help in planning from parents or teachers, OSWCD encourages each student to do as much work as possible by him/herself. Entries completed by students in their handwriting and coloring will score better than those designed, drawn and colored by adult assistance.

Poster Evaluations

  • Conservation message (50 percent)
  • Visual effectiveness (30 percent)
  • Originality (10 percent)
  • Universal appeal (10 percent)
  • Also taken into consideration, artwork on poster is that of participant (unless noted on entry form)

Prize Levels

  • Poster Grade Categories:  K-1st; 2nd-3rd; 4th-6th; 7th-9th; 10th-12th
  • 1st -$50; 2nd -$35; 3rd- $20 in each grade category
  • Winners at local level will advance to the State contest, with a chance of advancing to the National contest. Local winner names will be announced on our Facebook page and in the Lake Okeechobee News.
Okeechobee Soil and Water Conservation District 2026 Poster Contest Accessible.pdf
Nature Trail at Okeechobee Ag Center 

OSWCD partnered with the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center to provide an outdoor educational avenue for the public to experience natural habitats and learn about different anthropogenic (human) impacts that occur on our landscapes. Example of wildlife species that exist in this area are deer, turkey, small mammals and sandhill cranes. Educational signage have been placed around the pond regarding these species.

An informative poster about Wolsing Woods Wetland detailing wetland benefits, how they reduce erosion and clean water, and showcasing various species.
An educational poster about Turkey Vultures, depicting their appearance, flight, and feeding habits as nature's clean-up crew.
Educational poster on Sandhill Cranes, their migration, habitat, and behavior with illustrations and photos.
An educational poster about invasive plants, warning not to be deceived by their beauty and explaining their impact on ecosystems.
Educational poster illustrating and describing various birds of prey like hawks and owls.
An educational poster about Bald Cypress trees, including images of the tree, its leaves, cones, and distinctive "knees."
An informative poster about Wolsing Woods Wetland detailing wetland benefits, how they reduce erosion and clean water, and showcasing various species.
An educational poster about Turkey Vultures, depicting their appearance, flight, and feeding habits as nature's clean-up crew.
Educational poster on Sandhill Cranes, their migration, habitat, and behavior with illustrations and photos.
An educational poster about invasive plants, warning not to be deceived by their beauty and explaining their impact on ecosystems.
Educational poster illustrating and describing various birds of prey like hawks and owls.
An educational poster about Bald Cypress trees, including images of the tree, its leaves, cones, and distinctive "knees."
Soils Trailer 

Okeechobee Soil and Water Conservation District utilizes their soil trailer to educate youth and adults on soil health, texture, properties, erosion and more! Neighboring school districts and organizations may reserve the trailer to enhance their natural recources or agricultural curriculum. Please contact Vicki Wheeler at victoria.wheeler@okeechobeeswcd.org for a Soil Trailer Usage Agreement form.  

Two women stand by a trailer promoting healthy soils, showcasing the importance of soil diversity and life.
A presentation on soil loss with a demonstrator engaging children, featuring displays about soil and its importance.
A group of people, mostly children, lined up in a building for an activity or exhibit, with signs and a sandy floor.
A group of children gather in an indoor arena, engaging with a leader, with bleachers visible in the background.
A group of students sitting in an interactive space, engaging with displays about soil and environmental education.
Two women stand beside a banner that reads "SOIL," highlighting agriculture and environmental themes.
Two women stand by a trailer promoting healthy soils, showcasing the importance of soil diversity and life.
A presentation on soil loss with a demonstrator engaging children, featuring displays about soil and its importance.
A group of people, mostly children, lined up in a building for an activity or exhibit, with signs and a sandy floor.
A group of children gather in an indoor arena, engaging with a leader, with bleachers visible in the background.
A group of students sitting in an interactive space, engaging with displays about soil and environmental education.
Two women stand beside a banner that reads "SOIL," highlighting agriculture and environmental themes.

 

 

Okeechobee County Ag-Venture 

Ag-Venture is a free, one day program which provides a great opportunity for Okeechobee fourth graders (public, private and home educated) to gain experience, understanding and the appreciation of our local agricultural industry. At Ag-Venture, students learn about soils, alligators, beef, bees, citrus, dairy, poultry, and vegetables.

4th grade teachers will receive curriculum and pre/post tests that relate to each station that meet certain education bench-marks. Interactive displays, tractors, animal feeds, and farm animals will be on display for the students, as well.

To learn more about the Okeechobee Ag Venture, please visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064507310203 

Two women stand beside a banner that reads "SOIL," highlighting agriculture and environmental themes.
Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program 

Monofilament recycling bins are receptacles for unwanted fishing line. They are typically constructed of PVC and are located at popular fishing areas. The bins  are an efficient and economical way to gather used fishing line, cast nets, weed-eater line, and line spools to recycle them. These used items are sent to Berkley Conservation Institute and melted down to make tackle boxes, fish attractors, line spools and toys.​ Inappropriately discarded monofilament often accumulates in popular fishing areas and may tangle around boat propellers and aquatic life, while taking over 500 years to decompose. This poses threats to fishermen, the fish they catch and important fish habitat and breeding grounds. Abandoned line can “ghost fish” by continuing to catch aquatic species (e.g., fish, turtles and birds) in makeshift nets for many years.​ Currently, there are 10 outdoor bins and 2 indoor bins located throughout Okeechobee County.​
Volunteers periodically check and empty these bins. If you would like to see your favorite fishing spot equipped with one of these bins or you would like to volunteer to check and empty these bins, please call 863-763-3619. ​ For more information about MRRP, please visit FWC. 

Map of MRRP Bin Locations

Pictured below is an example of a monofilament recycling bin.

The image features two signs: one promoting recycling fishing lines and another about navigation restrictions due to a river restoration project.