Dutch Fork Elementary receives grant from the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District

For Immediate Release – December 1, 2025

Dutch Fork Elementary receives grant from the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District

IRMO – Dutch Fork Elementary School Academy of Environmental Sciences will experience hands-on environmental learning this school year, thanks to financial support from the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD). The school received a Conservation Education Mini-grant of $1,000 to help with their school gardens and nature trail.

Each year, RSWCD administers Conservation Education Mini-Grants to support youth education initiatives at county schools. Such projects give students the opportunity to take their learning outdoors, giving them firsthand experience with conservation, sustainability, and natural resource stewardship. Funding for the Mini-grants comes from individual donors, businesses and generous community support through the Friends of RSWCD.

Dutch Fork Elementary School students maintain multiple gardens around campus and there is a need for new equipment to replace broken and aged equipment and to provide water for the gardens. Many of the gardens are watered by hand by the resident scientist, and the school will use the grant money to install two drip irrigation systems on timers to reduce the amount of time spent watering. It will also mean more of the gardens will be watered over the summer months. The path of nature trail is also maintained by the resident scientist and the money will be used to buy a trimmer to maintain the walking path and to cut back vegetation on the edges to create a safe trail for use during outdoor instruction.

"The RSWCD has supported the environmental and natural resource conservation activities at Dutch Fork Elementary School for many years through their grant program,” Resident Scientist Matt Schnabel said. “Many of our projects, including the multiple gardens, are possible because of their support. Our shared vision to create an environmentally-literate community is something I hope to continue growing for many years to come.”

Dutch Fork Elementary School is an environmental science magnet school that participates in the SC Green Steps Schools program. All teachers at every grade level and their students work in the various gardens at the school, along with the Green Steps Schools mentors who help with the gardening projects. During family events at the school, family members will have the opportunity to visit and interact with the gardens and nature trail.

Richland County supports RSWCD’s work with staff and other resources. RSWCD is dedicated to fostering conservation education and stewardship among local youth and the greater community. Learn more about RSWCD programs, including Conservation Education Mini-Grants, by visiting the division online.

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