Four schools in Richland County have received funding from the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) to support hands-on conservation projects and environmental education initiatives during the 2024 school year. The grants, part of RSWCD’s Mini-Grant program, provide up to $1,000 per project and aim to promote environmental awareness and conservation practices among students.
Since the program’s inception in 2012, RSWCD has awarded over 100 grants totaling more than $53,000. “These grants offer students real-world experiences that deepen their understanding of conservation and their role in protecting our planet,” said RSWCD Commissioner Mary Burts.
This year’s grant recipients and their projects include:
- Camp Discovery, Blythewood: Weathering and erosion field study ($1,000).
- HER Homeschool Group: Discovery Classroom water conservation and pollinator garden ($1,000).
- Montessori School of Columbia: Classroom hydroponic systems ($1,000).
- Salvation Army of the Midlands Doing the Most Good Academy: “Cultivating Conservation: A Green Thumb Project” ($750).
RSWCD’s Mini-Grant program is supported through contributions from individual donors, businesses, and the Friends of RSWCD, in addition to resources provided by Richland County. “We’re grateful for the community’s generosity in helping to fund conservation education,” said Chelsea Holliday, RSWCD’s administrative assistant of outreach and community engagement.
Applications for the next round of Mini-Grants are due January 23. For more information or to apply, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/rswcd.
