More than ever before, we need to work cooperatively to conserve the land, water, and air in a manner that will best sustain the Earth and all its people.

USDA, through its own and other Federal, State, and local organizations, works to enhance public environmental awareness and to encourage sound conservation practices. USDA provides a variety of publications on soil and water conservation techniques, a cadre of technical experts to assist landowners and communities in planning and implementing conservation practices, and an array of videotapes, slides, and field guides for schools and local organizations. Protecting our environment is a shared venture, and USDA needs your ideas, your interest, your time as a volunteer, and your participation at the local and national levels.

What can you do? If you are 16 or over, you can join USDA's Earth Team as a volunteer and actively encourage conservation practices by helping farmers and ranchers reduce erosion, conserve water, and enhance wildlife. If you are a concerned citizen and interested in supporting environmentally sound legislation and conservation programs, you can contact your local USDA office to become environmentally informed.

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In a larger sense, an Earth Team has many members. Farmers, ranchers, and landowners—those most directly affected by environmental policies and programs—work in partnership with USDA Soil Conservation Service technical experts to develop and implement conservation plans for their land. Local citizens participate through local groups and conservation districts to conserve and protect water and air quality in their communities. Researchers develop new technologies to survey and conserve the Earth's natural resources. And USDA specialists work with other countries to encourage conservation practices that enhance land, water, and air quality and improve agricultural productivity around the world.

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Get involved. Help promote the use of economically feasible and practical measures for conserving our land, water, and air and for promoting the productive vitality of our agriculture.