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April29–May 10

Stewardship Week – April 29-May 10, 2023

Stewardship Week has been celebrated since 1955 between the last Sunday of April and the first Sunday in May. This year it will be observed from April 29 to 10. It aims to remind us of our individual responsibility towards our environment It has acted as a crucial part in creating awareness. For many members of the public, it plays an important role in showing them what they can do to support preservation efforts, such as taking recycling more seriously, reusing what we can, or reducing waste. We should pay more attention to the ecological impact of the products that we buy and try to avoid buying what we don’t need. Businesses also have a part to play where economic activity such as manufacturing contributes to the deterioration of our environment where there are more ‘greener’ options available.

History of Stewardship Week

Every year, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and lots of other dedicated conservationists organize a number of outreach events and educational experiences for students and adults to promote awareness and the importance of natural resource conservation.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations stated that half of the world’s forests have already been destroyed for a number of reasons and the remaining forests endure illegal exploitation and inadequate management. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was established out of the need to take control of the situation to bring a halt to global deforestation. Deforestation isn’t a new issue as it became a global concern in the 1980s which led to policy reform and the development of regulatory frameworks to secure finances to assist in the fight against the erosion of natural resources. Today, environmentalists and conservation groups such as Greenpeace remain committed to protecting tropical woodlands.

The tension between Northern countries and the South lies in access to funding and technology for conservation efforts where NGOs such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have started to turn their attention to industry for more government-backed assistance. During Stewardship Week, different conservation districts and their various state associations enlighten the general public on the importance of soil health, water quality, pollinator habitat, and other preservation topics. Different classroom activities, field trips, and community events are also organized to honor and recognize the efforts to conserve.

Stewardship Week timeline

1955
Stewardship Week is Celebrated

Stewardship Week is celebrated annually since 1955 between the last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in May.

The 1980’s
Deforestation Reaches Critical Point

The alarming rate at which large areas of trees are destroyed inspires action such as policy reform and regulatory frameworks.

1993
The FSC is established

The Forest Stewardship Council, an international, non-profit, multi-stakeholder organization is founded.

2021
66 years of Stewardship Week

National Association of Conservation Districts commemorates 66 years of Stewardship Week.

Stewardship Week FAQs

What do environmental stewards do?

They are responsible for the maintenance and conservation of the environment. An example of this includes curbing the harvest of natural resources.

What are the two main types of stewardship?

There are stewards who take direct action such as cleaning up oil spills and those who practice it in their personal capacity by reducing, reusing, and recycling for example.

Am I a good steward?

If you use natural resources responsibly and contribute to environmental preservation, then you can consider yourself a good steward.

How to Observe Stewardship Week

  1. Be a steward

    Take action by learning about the conservation challenges that we face. Consider what you can do to assist environmental preservation efforts. What is your role in the sustainability of our world in an increasingly industrial world?

  2. Organize workshops

    Conduct information sessions at schools to highlight the importance of our natural world. You can also set up a mobile station and travel across towns or states to teach communities how they can enhance their soil health and water quality.

  3. Host a conservation tour

    Host a conservation tour for local officials from the Department of Natural Resources or Agriculture. Identify farmers, ranchers, and urban land users who practice conservation measures that best meet your community's needs.

5 Amazing Facts About Stewardship

  1. Peace Bridge Authority (PBA) sets an example

    An initiative was launched to reduce the organization’s environmental impact and provide a sustainable border crossing for local residents and travelers.

  2. PBA encourages natural preservation

    To lessen carbon emissions, the Authority starts offering free or no tolls for pedestrians and cyclists.

  3. Eco-Friendly buys

    The PBA purchases environmentally friendly cleaning and janitorial supplies and discontinues the use of salt and sand on the bridge for de-icing.

  4. Stormwater management

    The PBA uses a $1.3 million bridge water collection system to properly manage stormwater and discontinue direct flows from the bridge into the Niagara River.

  5. Stewards are happier than the average person

    Research has proved that the act of giving back makes us more content and inspires us to do more.

Why Stewardship Week is Important

  1. It promotes our general wellbeing

    Environmental degradation can heighten the risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma, and many other illnesses. Preserving our natural world is therefore vital to preserving our health.

  2. Stewardship secures our future

    No matter what business we're involved in, it is essential to remember that we all have an impact on the environment. So, it is our responsibility to protect it to enjoy it at present and for future generations.

  3. It is a sustainable goal

    In 2015, the United Nations Member States approved 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 12, seeks to ‘ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns,’ it sets certain targets to effectively manage waste.

Stewardship Week dates

YearDateDay
2022April 29Friday
2023April 29Saturday
2024April 27Saturday
2025April 26Saturday
2026April 25Saturday

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