Education
The South Platte NRD is committed to providing the best information possible to people of all ages about
the care, protection and use of our natural resources. Our educational programs serve schools, youth groups, farmers and the general public. From our resource lending library to workshops and special events, our goal is to help develop positive environmentally sound ideas for all generations.
One of our most successful youth programs is the Western Nebraska Children's Groundwater Festival, a fun-filled one day event where area fourth grade students learn about where our water comes from, its uses and how we can all care for it.
Each year's festival offers lively entertainment and interactive displays led by groundwater and natural resources professionals. The students rotate in small groups to 16 different groundwater or groundwater-related presentations throughout the day.
The South Platte NRD sponsors workshops that promote best management practices for farm producers. Using best management practices (BMPs) helps reduce the movement of agricultural chemicals from farm fields, which helps groundwater from contamination. While many of these workshops are voluntary, some are required for producers in designated South Platte NRD Groundwater Quality Management Areas. For more about the NRD's Groundwater Management Areas, click here.
We provide a number of resources for teachers, who can receive scholarships to attend camps or workshops that are natural-resources oriented.
Student opportunities are also abundant, whether your interest lies in the areas of range or land management, or wider general knowledge. The South Platte NRD helps with a number of contests for area students.
Environmental resource materials, information and curriculum are available through the District Resources Library. We loan material on a variety of subjects such as water, plants, wildlife, soil, litter and recycling. Many materials are geared toward primary, middle school, intermediate and high school-age students. They involve students in fun, hands-on activities designed to increase their knowledge of the natural environment. We also have a large selection of materials and videos to provide information to adults seeking information.