This Sunday marks the beginning of Soil and Water Conservation Week across the state.

As a way to bring more awareness and to engage residents, Marion County Iowa Soil and Water Conservation District held a children’s poster contest to help celebrate the week. The theme of the contest was “Healthy Soils Are Full of Life.” Soil Conservationist Nathan Rahe tells KNIA/KRLS News for grades 2nd through 3rd, Sayer Turnbull of Pella is the winner. For grades 4th through 6th, Treyton Turnbull of Pella is the winner. Grades 7th through 9th, Triexia Icalina of Pleasantville is the winner. And for grades 10th through 12th, Melena Johnson of Pleasantville is the winner. Soil and Water Conservation Week will begin Sunday, April 30th and run until Sunday, May 7th. According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture, Soil and Water Conservation Week is an opportunity to recognize the important conservation work that has been placed on the Iowa landscape and bring attention to the ongoing work by farmers, landowners and urban residents to protect the state’s soil and water resources.