March 25, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 112

For further information, contact Michelle Jacobs, Community Relations Officer, 302-739-9921, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.  

‘Water is Life’ Stewardship Materials Available
Now to Educators and Group Leaders 

            The Delaware Association of Conservation Districts (DACD) encourages you to think about your personal responsibility to be a good steward of Delaware’s natural resources during its annual Stewardship Week celebration. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has proclaimed April 27 to May 4, 2008 as Soil and Water Stewardship Week, with the theme “Water is Life.” 

Age-appropriate activity books, posters, calendars, bookmarks, activity placemats and other items are available for a small fee through NACD. To learn more about Stewardship Week and the available materials, as well as download the educators guide and church leaders guide, you can visit www.nacdnet.org/stewardship/2008/.   

“Our hope is that educators and church leaders will visit the site to see what materials are available to them to aid them in spreading the word about the importance of protecting water quality and being good stewards of our natural resources,” said DACD president Josef A. Burger.  “The materials are a valuable resource for educators and can be used throughout the year, not just during this annual observance.” 

The Earth’s water is in constant motion in the hydrologic (water) cycle, a process that has no beginning or end. Water available to users can change due to the cycles of weather and changes in water quality. Throughout time, the same water has been transferred into the Earth’s atmosphere and dropped on land again where it follows the water cycle through plants, soil, water bodies, animals and clouds. That means the water we use today is the same water that was here when dinosaurs roamed the land.

            What can we do? Become aware of water quality and quantity in your community, and understand how watersheds work. Watersheds are the places we call home, where we work and where we play. Everyone relies on water and other natural resources to exist. What you and others do on the land impacts the quality and quantity of water and our other natural resources. Managing the water and other natural resources is an effective and efficient way to sustain the local economy and environmental health.

            “Each of us needs to take steps to invest in understanding the importance of water in our everyday life,” said NACD CEO Krysta Harden. “Water is not a renewable resource. Education in your community and schools will benefit all citizens, for years to come as they gain a better appreciation of the importance of water resources. Conservation districts are working with local communities to address water quantity and quality issues in every county in America.” 

            The Delaware Association and its three districts are members of the NACD, which oversees the Stewardship Week program. Stewardship Week is one of the largest national annual programs to promote conservation. NACD represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, which were established to encourage resource conservation across the country. Delaware’s conservation districts will purchase Stewardship Week materials for distribution to local schools and church organizations as funding permits. 

            For more information about the National Association of Conservation Districts, please visit www.nacdnet.org. For more on the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts, please call 302-739-9921.