Benton Conservation District has been inspiring young minds for 26 years (and counting!) through its annual Salmon Summit event.
Each spring, local elementary school students gather at Columbia Park in Kennewick to release salmon they've raised in their classrooms into the Columbia River. Alongside this unforgettable experience, students participate in engaging educational activities that deepen their connection to conservation and the natural world.
This year, Benton Conservation District’s dedication was nationally recognized when they received the Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters Award for Public Education from the National Hydropower Association.
This event’s success is a testament to the amazing partnership between the district, the local educational community, sponsors, and volunteers. Thank you, Benton Conservation District, for educating the next generation of conservationists!
Delaini Disher’s photo, “Well-Attended Field Demonstration” captures the use of livestock in sustainable farming, highlighting the importance of biomass collection from a grazed cover crop field.
Mckenzi Coleman's "Exclusion Fence" photo highlights the enduring value of exclusion fencing as a tool for protecting natural resources like salmon streams and safeguarding livestock.
The winning photo from the conservation district calendar contest highlights hands-on salmon education.