EDUCATION
SPNRD finds great value in educating people of all ages of the natural resources around the District.
EDUCATION COLLABORATION
Educator Guide
If you are an educator, please view this information.
Presentations
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. Our goal is to help develop positive environmentally sound ideas for all generations.
Education Opportunities
Envirothon
The Nebraska Envirothon is a competition designed for high school students (9-12th grades) to test their knowledge about the environment. Five-member teams compete on the regional level in seven areas of environmental studies: soil, aquatics, forestry, policy, wildlife, range, environmental policy and current issue. For the state competition an oral presentation on a topic selected by the NCF-Envirothon Committee is added to the testing stations. This is an excellent opportunity to give your students some additional background in the environment and exposure to environmental careers.
West Region: TBD
Nebraska State Envirothon: 4/29/26, Hastings, NE
Land Judging
Land Judging is a high school competition that challenges students to gain a better understanding of soil structure and land evaluation. Land Judging enables each participant to learn how to recognize the physical features of the soil, determine land capability for crop production, and evaluate management practices needed for proper stewardship. Soil, land and home-site evaluation provide a setting for students to investigate the soils in their region, the environment that surrounds them and their effect on their daily lives.
West Region: 10/08/2025
State LJ: 10/22/2025
Range Judging
Range Judging is a high school competition that challenges students to gain a better understanding of Nebraska rangelands which makes up half of the State's land area. Range judging enables each participant to learn how to recognize range plants, range sites and the need for proper grazing practices.
NRDs work with the Society for Range Management, NRCS and UNL Extension to host Range Judging contests all over the state each September.
Area 1 (Panhandle): 9/17/2025, Garden County
State RJ: 9/24/2025, Keya Paha County
ACE Camp
Adventure Camp about the Environment (ACE) is for students who have completed 6th or 7th grades (current school year). Campers will learn about aquatics, forestry, range ecology, wildlife, and soils/land use. ACE also includes adventurous activities such as a zipline, tanking and tubing, a campfire and many other games!
SPNRD Camp Scholarships are available to students residing in Kimball, Cheyenne or Deuel counties. If awarded, the scholarship will cover the $235/camper registration fee and includes meals, lodging and activities. Applicants are responsible for any additional costs and travel to/from the camp. Application deadline is May 1, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
June 21-24, 2026 - Kamp Kaleo, Burwell, NE
More info will be coming your way!
Nebraska Youth Range Camp
Nebraska Youth Range Camp is for youth ages 14-18. Camp consists of a dynamic curriculum that appeals to students with a wide array of interests including, but not limited to, rangeland management, conservation, ecology, animal science, and wildlife. Campers will be actively involved with lectures, field activities, hands-on experience, and recreational leadership and teambuilding activities.
SPNRD Camp Scholarships are available to students residing in Kimball, Cheyenne or Deuel counties. If awarded, the scholarship will cover 100% of the camp fee. Applicants are responsible for any additional costs and travel to/from the camp. Application deadline is May 1, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
Details have not been announced - stay tuned!
Natural Resources Day
We have partnered with ESU 13 and have expanded our focus to include other natural resources. This day consists of interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities and games to create student interest and awareness. Fourth grade students in Cheyenne, Deuel and Kimball counties are invited to attend. Hosted annually in May.
May 4, 2026 - Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp in Sidney, NE
$500 Conservation Scholarship
One - $500 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior who is 1) graduating in the current school year; 2) attending a college, university, vocational or technical school within the State of Nebraska; and 3) enrolled in a Natural Resources, Environmental or Agricultural field of study. Applicants must be a resident of Kimball, Cheyenne, or Deuel counties. Application deadline is May 1, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.