The Conservation District has a major emphasis of promoting wise land use management through their environmental education and outreach programs.  The Shelby County Conservation District's philosophy is that long term changes to address environmental concerns can only be made through a comprehensive educational program which begins with our youth.  A great amount of effort is given to educational programs that help our youth become more environmentally literate.  See our programs below.

CONSERVATION ART & WRITING  CONTESTS
Annual Conservation Art and Writing contests sponsored by the Shelby County Conservation District, Farm Bureau, and Division of Conservation.  The 2008 contest rules are available at http://www/kyfb.con/federation/home.asp and the theme is “WORKING TREES: KENTUCKY’S RENEWABLE FUTURE”

CONSERVATION SCHOOL GRANTS
The students who are county winners of the art and writing contests also receive a $250 conservation education grant for their class rooms.  There are 2 winners each year.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS
Schools in Shelby County can request a grant for outdoor classrooms to further the environmental education of students on the school campus.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Two scholarships are offered to high school graduating seniors who have been accepted to a university in K. The requirement is taking agriculture or environmental classes for a degree.

TREE SEEDLING PROGRAM
Each year the district gives 4,000 tree seedlings to 4th grades and to the public.  The species are different each year.

LIBRARY FUND
Each year the district presents funds to the Shelby County Public Library for purchasing  conservation and environmental education materials.

SOIL STEWARDSHIP
Soil Stewardship materials are delivered to schools and churches each year for Soil Stewardship Week, usually the last week in April, to educate the public on the importance of conserving our natural resources.

 SCAN NEWSLETTER
A newsletter is published twice a year to inform the public about programs and information on agriculture and conservation issues.  This newsletter is shared with Farm Service Agency and Shelby County Extension Service and sent to 3,700 landowners.

EARTH DAY AT RED ORCHARD PARK
Red Orchard Park is a 130 acre farm donated to Shelby County for a park by Clarence Miller.  The district has helped with the development of the park by providing tree seedlings and signage for the trees and trails. More development will be done in the future.  Earth Day will be a showcase of the farm each year in the spring.

ANNUAL COOPERATORS MEETING
Each year in April the district has a dinner meeting to recognize schools and students, present the scholarships, and recognize a Master Conservationist.  Around 300 are invited.

CONSERVATION FIELD DAYS
Field days are held to showcase conservation best management practices on farms.