contact@greenvillesoilandwater.com

CONSERVATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Greenville County Soil & Water Conservation District offers any interested Greenville County resident the chance to become a Conservation Ambassador with our Conservation Certificate Program! By attending our basics class, joining us at events, and learning about what you can do to help conserve our soil and water, you can obtain a certificate of completion (and GCSWCD swag!) and learn more about land and environmental stewardship.

We offer both an adult certificate and a junior certificate, with some different requirements. Check out what to do below!

Adult Certificate

 

Requirements:

  1. Attend one of GCSWCD’s library programs!
    1. Check our Upcoming Events page to see upcoming programs, or the library website.
  2. Come see GCSWCD at an event!
    1. Check our Upcoming Events page to see upcoming events we will be attending! GCSWCD tables at many conservation/water events each year, including the iMAGINE STEAM festival, Lake Robinson Day, and others.
  3. Complete GCSWCD’s CONSERVATION CHECKLIST!
    1. Download
  4. Attend the GCSWCD Conservation Basics Class
    1. Our next class is 10:30 am on March 21, 2026 at the Augusta Road Library. In this one-hour class, you will learn:
      1. GCSWCD history and what we do
      2. Current conservation issues
      3. How you can help!

 

Do ONE of the following:

  1. Start your own native pollinator garden! (It counts if you already have one)
  2. Start a compost pile!
  3. Teach someone else about the importance of conservation!
  4. Do a soil test!
  5. Mark your neighborhood storm drain! (signage provided by GCSWCD – click here to learn more)
  6. Pack seeds for GCSWCD!

Track your progress using this Completion Form, and turn in to contact@greenvillesoilandwater.com or in person at our office (301 University Drive, Suite S-4100, Greenville) when completed!

ADULT COMPLETION TRACKING FORM

Junior Certificate

 

Do THREE out of the following:

  1. Attend one of GCSWCD’s library programs!
    1. Check our Upcoming Events page to see upcoming programs, or the library website.
  2. Come see GCSWCD at an event!
    1. Check our Upcoming Events page to see upcoming events we will be attending! GCSWCD tables at many conservation/water events each year, including the iMAGINE STEAM festival, Lake Robinson Day, and others!
  3. Complete GCSWCD’s CONSERVATION CHECKLIST!
    1. Download
  4. Participate in the SC Envirothon!
    1. Must be part of a team with a legitimate sponsor. Only open to high school students.
  5. Attend the GCSWCD conservation basics class with a parent or guardian!
    1. Our next class is 10:30 am on March 21, 2026 at the Augusta Road Library. In this one-hour class, you will learn:
      1. GCSWCD history and what we do
      2. Current conservation issues
      3. How you can help!

 

Do ONE of the following:

  1. Do the SOIL YOUR UNDIES challenge!
    1. Bury a cotton underwear in the ground and dig it back up in one month! See how much it has decayed. Soil microbes will break down organic materials like cotton, and the more microbes you have in your soil = the more the underwear will be eaten = the healthier your soil is. Supplies available from GCSWCD office.
  2. Test your own soil for aggregates!
    1. To do an aggregate test, check for aggregates in your backyard or garden soil by placing a clump of air-dried soil into a cup of water. The less it falls apart, the more aggregates and healthier your soil is.
  3. Start your own native pollinator garden with your family!
    1. Or other similar conservation activity.
  4. Submit artwork to the NACD Poster Contest!

Track your progress using this Completion Form, and turn in to contact@greenvillesoilandwater.com or in person at our office (301 University Drive, Suite S-4100, Greenville) when completed!

JUNIOR COMPLETION TRACKING FORM

Prizes!

Adults:

  • Your choice of GCSWCD re-useable water bottle or t-shirt, or both
  • Conservation Ambassador sticker + email stamp
  • Sal pin

Juniors:

  • Your choice of GCSWCD re-useable water bottle or t-shirt, or both
  • Conservation Ambassador sticker + email stamp
  • Sal plushie
Copy of allternate GCSWCD CONSERVATION AMBASSADOR (1)

Meet Stormwater Sal

Stormwater Sal, full name Sal A. Mander, is GCSWCD's mascot and a native green salamander (Aniedes aeneus). He is passionate about soil and water conservation and always wants to teach others about how to preserve our land and water!