The National FFA Organization is partnering with Timberland PRO for its first Earth Day Service challenge. The challenge encourages FFA chapters to dedicate time to conservation projects in their communities.

Projects should include at least 50 volunteers - with FFA members encouraged to engage local volunteers - and take place during April, ideally on Earth Day, April 22. Projects could include reforestation - planting trees, which removes pollutants from the air, lowers energy consumption levels and prevents erosion. A conservation project can include waterway cleanup project in a nearby lake or river, park or trail refurbishing and more. Projects performed and submitted will be judged on specified criteria, including degree of transformation and project sustainability. Participating chapters have the chance to utilize the Timberland Service Toolkit when preparing their project application.

With the support of Timberland PRO, the Earth Day Service Challenge will award a $3,000 Best Civic Engagement grant to the chapter with the most volunteer involvement, and a $7,000 Best Impact grant to the chapter which demonstrates the most powerful impact to their community.

Visit www.ffa.org for more information.