2026 NACD PHOTO AND POSTER CONTEST

Each year, the National Association of Conservation Districts hosts a K-12 Photo & Poster Contest for students across the U.S. to create art to raise awareness of conservation and conservation efforts and practices across the U.S. The photo and poster contest has a different theme each year that students must base their submissions around. Submissions are judged on both the county, state, and national level, and prizes are awarded on all levels.

2026 NACD CONTEST THEME:

Entry Details Contest Rules Judging Criteria Competition Awards

Entry Details

K-12 students in Greenville County will create original, individual posters illustrating the importance of soil. Entries must include the Entry Form on the back of each poster, and can be submitted by mail or in-person to the Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District office. Teachers may request artwork pickup from their schools. Entries must be original copies of artwork and will not be returned unless specified prior to submission. All entries must be submitted by Friday, May 29^th, 2026 to be eligible for GCSWCD judging, and further state judging in the fall.

Student entries are grouped by grade level: K-1, 2-3, 4-6,7-9, and 10-12. When completing the entry form, select the students’ current grade level for the 2025-2026 school year.

Braille artwork will be accepted. Please see below for more details, and check the Braille Contest option on the Entry Form as applicable.

To enter:

Create an 11 x 17" (recommended size) or smaller paper poster using requirements included in the Contest Rules
Teachers can submit posters with signed entry forms included on the back of each poster

Submit your poster by mail, school pickup, or in-person delivery to:

Attn: NACD Poster Contest

Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District

301 University Ridge, Suite S-4100

Greenville, SC 29601

Contest Rules

Contest Rules:

Posters must be created by individuals and not as a group
Posters must be flat, original, and cannot be traced from or copy photos or other artists’ work
Posters can be made with any traditional media or mixed media, including colored pencil, paint, marker, crayon, stickers, paper, charcoal, etc.
Students with low vision may enter artwork using mixed media, Braille and tactile media
- Braille posters may be any size that accommodates students’ needs
- A Brailler can be used
- Raised textures are permitted
- An adult may assist in the creation of posters, particularly in the Braille labeling process
The 2026 Stewardship Theme phrase “ Where It All Begins” must be included in full on the front of each poster
Attach a signed entry form on the back of the poster
Do not include names or schools on the front of the poster
3-D artwork will not be accepted

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged based on:

Conservation Message (50%): The poster effectively conveys the theme and a clear conservation message
Visual Effectiveness (30%): The design is eye-catching, well-organized, and visually appealing
Originality (10%): The poster demonstrates creativity and fresh ideas
Universal Appeal (10%): The design should appeal to a broad audience and be easily understood

Competition Awards

After judging is completed, Greenville County winners will enter the state competition in Fall 2026. State winners will move to national competition in Winter 2026. Winners will receive cash prizes at each level of competition.

Prizes are as follows:

Local Conservation District Competition: Cash prizes of $25 sponsored by GCSWCD will be awarded to the winners in each grade level category, and winners will be invited to the GCSWCD 2027 Annual Banquet.
State Competition: Cash prizes of $50 sponsored by SC Association of Conservation Districts (SCACD) will be awarded to the winners in each grade level category
National Competition: Cash prizes of $200 for 1^st place, $150 for 2^nd place, and $100 for 3^rd place sponsored by National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Auxiliary, the Country Store at the NACD Annual Meeting, and individual donors will be awarded to the winners in each grade level category

NACD PHOTO AND POSTER CONTEST RULES

Entry Form Download

2026 NACD PHOTO AND POSTER CONTEST

2026 NACD CONTEST THEME:

Entry Details

Competition Sponsors: