Education and public outreach are a priority for the Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The Wayne SWCD provides free conservation education programs, displays and presentations to any Wayne County school or group.

The Wayne SWCD Education Specialist, Kelly Riley is available Monday through Thursday and can be reached by e-mail, at kriley@wayneohio.org   or by phone at  330-263-5376.  Please contact her to schedule a program or if you have any questions.

The Wayne SWCD offers a variety of Educational Programs available, at no charge for any Wayne county school or club. Please click on the link for a description of each presentation. "Consider Conservation" - also a list of the programs available. 

There are also a number of Teacher Trunks  available for loan. These trunks can help accentuate school lessons and make learning a lot more exciting!  Kelly has also researched and saved many different environmental topics and lessons, and has is happy to share them. Check out the Educational Resources page with a variety of subjects and lessons. For the latest version of the Educational newsletter Conquest, visit the Newsletter section of the website to get caught up on past issues! 

Free ODNR Guides

ALL in PDF download form! 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources,. Division of Wildlife is pleased to provide educators with quality teaching aids about Ohio’s wildlife. The educational materials include Project WILD activity supplements, loaner trunks, posters, and various printed materials including Field Guides.

From Moths, Butterflies, Mammals, to Amphibians and Trees, check it out at https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/wildlife/documents-publications/backyard-wildlife-documents

Attention 2nd & 3rd Grade Teachers!

Once again in 2026 ... we are giving away Free tree seedlings to students in Wayne County. These seedlings are 1st come, 1st serve. Limited quantities available. Deadline to RSVP is Thursday, March 5th.  Call us at 330-263-5376 to reserve yours!

In 2026 we will accept Pre- lists - so if you are interested, please contact us ahead of time. 

2026 Poster Contest Theme "Soil. Where is all Begins."  

Please visit the Poster Contest page for a complete list of details.

Entry deadline April 30th 2026

Make sure to check out the 2026 NACD resources for great teaching resources on a variety of current and past topics! THIS is also FREE! 

https://www.nacdnet.org/conservation-education-hub/

High school students with the help of a team adviser, can participate in a fun environmental education contest called the Envirothon. Wayne SWCD also helps host a county Land Judging Competition  every September with the help of local FFA teachers.

Each year the Wayne SWCD sponsors a Poster Contest for all grade level students in Wayne county. The theme changes every year in accordance to the national conservation theme.  The Wayne SWCD also honors an environmental Educator of the Year at our annual meeting for local teachers. We are always accepting nominations for the annual conservation educator of the year, so please feel free to nominate a deserving educator! 

In addition, many other adult and land owner educational opportunities are presented throughout the year. The Wayne SWCD is proud to display our efforts, the poster contest winners, and hold a guessing contest every year during  the Wayne County Fair at our Fair Building. For more education, please check the Landowner Assistance page for information on ponds, rain barrels, rain gardens, and other environmentally friendly ideas.