Over 18,000 trees have been presented to third graders throughout the District since the program’s inception in 1989. NRD staff deliver the trees each April to classrooms at their request; a short program is provided to educate the youngsters about their tree species and how to plant and care for it. Each child has an opportunity to take a seedling home.

This competition tests teams of five high schoolers in seven categories: soils, wildlife, range, forestry, aquatics, policy, and one national subject which changes each year. Regional contests take place from January-March across the state; winners advance to the State contest in late April at locations that change each year. The lucky State winner represents Nebraska at the national contest later that summer. The regional contest for schools in the Nemaha NRD is in Beatrice in March.

Nebraska Envirothon

Each fall high school FFA students compete in range judging contests and land judging contests throughout the state. Range judging takes place in September within predetermined regions, and those contests rotate among different locations within their regions. Students are tested on plant identification and range management. A state contest which also rotates around the state is held later in the month, and any team or individual may compete at that contest regardless of their placing in the regionals.

Land judging contests are also set up on a regional basis, and the Nemaha NRD and Lower Big Blue NRD take turns hosting every other year. This contest involves evaluating soils and land use. Unlike the range contest, land judging contestants must qualify at their regional contest in order to participate in the state contest.

In even numbered years the Nemaha NRD hosts a day camp, Watershed of Wonders, at one of its public recreation areas for children ages 10-12. The camp originated in 2002 and is held at Kirkmans Cove, Iron Horse Trail Lake, or Duck Creek Recreation Area.

Up to 100 children may be accommodated at the free event that provides hands-on natural resources activities such as archery, fishing, water rockets, and a boat or hayrack ride.

The 2024 contest period has ended. Please check back later.