Youth Soil Health Resources
Let’s make learning fun for all ages!
These top options are for the younger kids, but scroll down to see more advanced options for your teens.
Youth Ages 0-12
“The Soil Quilt”
“The Soil Quilt” is a new children’s book published by Ag Storytellers and the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition.
Coloring Page
This coloring page highlights the underground life that makes soil healthy and the role soil plays in our food and our landscape.
Soil Poster
This informational poster highlights soil microbiology, the soil textural triangle, and the soil food web.
Mighty Mini Microbe’s Tale
This themed coloring book will encourage the next generation of farmers, scientists and conservationists to unlock the secrets in the soil.
S. K. Worm
S.K.Worm answers students questions about soil. Once it’s complete, you can earn a very special diploma.
SD Dicovery Center
The South Dakota Discovery Center offers learners in inquiry-based, hands-on exploration of watersheds and the world at large.
Youth 13-18
Soil Basics
This Soil Health Primer has four separate modules designed to teach the essentials of soil health and Includes ungraded quizzes to check your knowledge.
Cover Crops Poster
Cover crops are an essential part of healthy soil. This high-quality graphic is extremely detailed and scalable. It’s available for non-commercial use.
Soil Health Bucket
Interested in an educational tool containing 18 different accredited lesson plans and all the necessary equipment to perform accompanying experiments and activities? Look no further, the SD Soil Health Coalition provides educational “Soil Health Buckets” and lessons to vocational agriculture classrooms, soil science classrooms and additional youth groups.
Ag In the Classroom
With an integrated program approach, Ground Works/SD Ag in the Classroom uses teaching gardens, summer camps, and digital programs to deliver lessons in STEAM education, agricultural literacy, and student leadership. Ground Works/SD Ag in the Classroom seeks to invite all to the conversation to increase connections classrooms and communities in South Dakota
Registration Open for 2026 Soil Health School!
The 2026 Soil Health School is set for September 15-17 near Twin Brooks and Marvin, SD, and it is designed for agricultural producers as well as anyone with an interest in learning how to manage soils for resiliency and profit. The agenda features classroom style presentations by producers and technical experts from across the state and region, as well as hands-on experiences in the field. Area producers will share their challenges and successes with various methods for improving soil health, to an average class size of 30-40.
News & Events
Darling Creek Ranch Named 2026 SD Leopold Award Winner
Sand County Foundation Dan and Sharon Anderson’s Darling Creek Ranch has been selected as the 2026 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award® recipient. The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil...
Building operational resilience with soil health
By Stan Wise South Dakota Soil Health Coalition PIERRE, SD – Resilience. It’s one of the prizes that keeps conservation-minded land managers striving for improved soil health. Operational resilience in the face of floods, market fluctuations, rising input costs,...
Awards Announced at Soil Health Conference
During the Tenth Annual Soil Health Conference, Jan. 13-14 in Aberdeen, SD, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition announced the winners of its two annual awards as well as the winners of its student essay and video contests. Doug Sieck was named the 2026 Legacy Award...