Youth Conservation

Getting students involved in conservation helps them build a lasting connection with the outdoors while learning how their actions make a difference for the environment. By participating in hands-on activities, and learning opportunities, young people gain practical skills, develop a sense of responsibility, and discover the value of protecting natural resources for future generations. Youth conservation programs not only spark interest in science and nature but also encourage teamwork, leadership, and a lifelong appreciation for the world around us.

Poster & Speaking Contest

The Poster Speaking Contest is now Closed.

We received four posters for this year's contest from grades 5-6, entering them into the category 4-6th grade level. Thank you for those that participated! Our wining poster has already moved forward to the Southern Area Poster Contest to be judged. If they are picked as a winner there, they will move onto State. Please see the poster entries below.

The 2026 National Poster & Speaking Contest theme is

"Soil. Where it all Begins"

This title must be on each poster submitted

The Dodge County Land and Water Conservation Dept. will be participating in the 2026 NACD poster & speaking contest. The poster contest is open to public, private and home-school students kindergarten through 12th grade and posters are evaluated on the following criteria:

Conservation message
Visual effectiveness
Originality
Universal appeal
Individual artwork

The speaking contest is open to public, private and home-based students 5th through 12th grade.

Students compete at County and area competitions with the winning posters moving on to compete at the State Competition in March at the WI Land & Water's Annual Conference.

Speaking Contest & Poster Date: January 14, 2026
Speaking Contest & Poster Due: January 12, 2026

Registration Form

Youth Activities

Registration for the WI Land & Water Middle School and High School Conservation Camps is closed!

Middle School camp is for students entering grades 6–8 in the upcoming school year who are interested in natural resources or simply love being outdoors.

June 28-July 1, 2026 – Camp Lakotah, Wautoma, WI.
2026 camp cost: $350.00

Register Now

High School camp is for students entering grades 9–12 in the upcoming year who have an interest in the outdoors.

June 15 - 18, 2026 - North Lakeland Discovery Center, Manitowish Waters, WI.
2026 camp cost: $450.00

Register Now

To apply for a scholarship to the WI Land & Water Youth Conservation Camps, please download the Brad Matson Memorial Conservation Camp Scholarship form.

Apply for the Scholarship