Youth & Adult Education

Apply for funding to support your educational activities that advance Marion SWCD’s mission to protect, conserve, and improve the quality of soil, air and water in Marion County. Eligible projects address one or more of the following: Water Quality & Conservation, Soil Quality & Conservation, and/or Sustainable Land Use.

We’ve developed a series of educational kits you can check out for up to two weeks on topics from soil secrets to native and invasive plants. Most of the lesson plans are available in English or Spanish. We supply the materials you need to to bring nature to life for your students!

In September – October, Marion SWCD coordinates Salmon Watch field trips for students in Marion County. Stations: riparian habitat, salmon lifecycle & biology, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and water testing.

Students with livestock are invited to participate in the Ag Conservation Education (ACE) program. By participating in ACE, students learn techniques for managing manure and mud and receive a tarp for covering manure. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a certificate that can be listed on their resume, record books, and award applications. There is no cost to participate in ACE.

We attend science nights and community events with engaging hands-on activities. We cover a wide range of conservation topics from compost critters to painting with soil.

Marion SWCD offers a $2000 scholarship each year, renewable for a second year at $1000 for students who graduated from a high school in Marion County and attending an Oregon college or university.

Requirements

• Graduates (including GED recipients and home-schooled graduates) of Marion County high schools
• Residence (county): Marion County
• Major: Natural resources (agriculture, animal science, environmental science, forestry, natural resources, wildlife, or other related fields of study)
• Colleges: Oregon only
• Enrollment: Full-time enrollment required
• FAFSA: Required – based on financial need
• Automatically renewable for one additional year if renewal criteria met (reduced award second year)

Join us on the first Friday of the month as we learn from experts on a wide array of conservation topics. From irrigation efficiency to pollinator support, our guest presenters explore the issues and offer solutions.

The Conservation Spotlight is a radio segment shining light on partnerships and programs for natural resources that airs on the third Wednesday of every month at 8 am and 6 pm as part of the weekly Willamette Wake Up radio program on KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM. Marion SWCD shares the Spotlight with Polk SWCD and OSU Extension Service Small Farms Program.

Everyone can join the Conservation Club and attend talks, tours, and more. We offer a variety of learning experiences sprinkled throughout the year to help participants dive deeper on conservation topics.

We have developed many online learning tools that provide information about regional management concerns. Check out our offerings!

Mid-Willamette Outreach Group (MWOG) collaboratively delivers fun and educational opportunities to engage in water exploration and protection.