OKEECHOBEE – April 25 through May 6 was Soil and Water Conservation Week in Okeechobee County.

At their April 23 meeting, Okeechobee County Commissioners presented a proclamation to Vicki Wheeler, Program Specialist for Okeechobee Soil & Water Conservation District.

“I would like to remind everyone it is not just the farmers and ranchers responsible for being good stewards of the land,” said Wheeler. “It’s everyone’s responsibility.”

“Soil and water resources are essential for human life, prosperity, and a healthy environment, serving as the foundation upon which the Great State of Florida is built,” the proclamation states.

“The sustainability of our state’s diverse ecosystems—from the Everglades to our coastal estuaries—depends entirely on the responsible management of these vital natural assets.

“Stewardship involves actively protecting and managing these resources for future generations, ensuring that our children inherit land capable of providing clean water and fertile ground.

“The 2026 theme, ‘Soil. Where It All Begins,’ highlights our reliance on healthy soil as the primary source of our food, fiber, and the very biological diversity that makes Florida unique; and WHEREAS, the National Association of Conservation Districts throughout Florida work tirelessly to educate the public and implement practices that prevent erosion and water contamination; and WHEREAS, effective conservation requires a collective effort from urban, suburban, and rural communities alike to safeguard our aquifers and topsoil."