
2026 Soil and Water Stewardship Week
April 26-May 3, 2026

Compost Stew
This year we are featuring the book Compost Stew by Mary McKenna Siddals.
Each library in Lancaster County will receive a copy of this book in honor of our stewardship week.
Coloring Contest
Coloring Contest for all ages
K4 to Adults
You may pick up your coloring sheet at any Lancaster County Library or you may find it here.
You have two pictures to choose from.
​
To upload your picture to the contest you can use our google form.
​​
Deadline to enter is
May 12, 2026
​
Prizes awarded in each category for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
-
K4-K5
-
Elementary
-
Middle
-
High
-
Adults
​


FREE Tour
SCDNR-Conservation Districts will be partnering with the SC Conservation Districts Foundation to host a Field Day at Yon Family Farms. This FREE event is open to the public and will cover a wide range of soil related topics. Lunch will be provided thanks to the support of the South Carolina Conservation Districts Foundation! Please plan to join us by registering here:
Field Day Registration
​
​
​
Starting April 20, 2026 you our office or sign up online to enter the drawing. Last day to enter is May 2, 2026
Winners will be announced on May 4, 2026
​

Soil Stories Video Contest
Deadline to upload videos is April 24, 2026
To enter students must live in or attend school in Lancaster, County SC
Prizes awarded in each category for
-
Elementary
-
Middle
-
High
BE CREATIVE!
Video Length up to 60 seconds
Theme is Soil!
Some Ideas:
​
-
“What is Soil Made Of?”
-
Break down the components of soil (minerals, organic matter, water, air) with visuals and simple explanations.
-
-
Soil Horizons Explained
-
Show a cross-section of soil layers (O, A, B, C horizons) and explain their roles.
-
-
The Soil Food Web
-
Highlight the organisms living in soil—bacteria, fungi, earthworms—and how they interact.
-
-
Soil Health Indicators
-
Demonstrate easy ways to check soil health (texture test, infiltration test, smell test).
-
-
DIY Soil Texture Test
-
Show how to do the jar test to determine sand, silt, and clay proportions.
-
-
Water Infiltration Challenge
-
Compare infiltration rates in healthy soil vs. compacted soil.
-
-
Cover Crops in Action
-
Show how cover crops improve soil structure and prevent erosion.
-
-
“Soil Myths Busted!”
-
Debunk common misconceptions like “dirt and soil are the same thing.”
-
-
Time-Lapse of Soil Erosion
-
Show how bare soil erodes compared to soil with vegetation.
-
-
Soil Around the World
-
Showcase different soil types and colors from various regions.
-
-
Why Soil Matters for Climate
-
Explain soil’s role in carbon storage and climate resilience.
-
-
The Journey of a Raindrop
-
Show how soil affects water infiltration and runoff.
-
-
Soil and Food Security
-
Connect healthy soil to healthy crops and global food supply.
-
​

