Each year the Itasca SWCD participates in the Area VIII Envirothon, an environmental competition for high school teams to challenge their environmental knowledge and problem solving skills. Five learning stations are presented by natural resource professionals in the fields of water, wildlife, forestry, soils and a current environmental issue. In addition, students will be asked to make a 10 minute oral presentation on the current event issue at a sixth station. The contest takes place in an outdoor setting. Teams are composed of 4 to 5 students. At each station, teams are given a short presentation and students must then answer 20 questions specific to that site.

Any student teams, grades 9-12, from high schools, home schools, or club organizations (4-H, Boy/Girl Scouts etc.) in Area VIII may participate. Area VIII consists of the north central Minnesota counties of Itasca, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, and Wadena. Each team needs an adult advisor, and lunch is provided!  For more information contact Corryn Trask with the Lake of the Woods SWCD; corryn.trask@mn.nacdnet.net

Each year the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) and a handful of other organizations put together an educational packet for school aged kids. The packet includes environmental information, classroom activities, posters and entry information for the annual poster contest. A different theme is chosen for each year and is announced in the packet. There is something for all ages from elementary all the way through high school aged students. Contact Andy Arens if you're interested in recieveing an education packet.

The Itasca SWCD owns an EnviroScape nonpoint source pollution model which is used to demonstrate how pollution from point and nonpoint sources moves through a watershed and into lakes and rivers. The model is used for educational purposes for people of all ages so they can visualize the effects people have on the landscape and how that relates to water quality. Upon request, one of the members of our staff will present the model to schools and other interested groups.  Also available upon request is a demonstration of the SWCD's groundwater pollution model. This model shows how water moves underground and how contaminants to groundwater can be transported from one location and affect water in another location. Contact Andy Arens to schedule a demonstration.

Each year the Itasca SWCD assists with presenting to students at the Youth Water Summit, an event organized by Itasca Waters, formerly known as the Itasca Water Legacy Partnership (IWLP).  Fifth graders from throughout Itasca County attend, and spent the day outdoors learning about various environmental topics, from natural resource professionals of the area.  For more information contact youthwatersummit@gmail.com