education & outreach

Southern Ogallala Conservation & Outreach Program

The Southern Ogallala Conservation & Outreach Program was created in 2007 as an educational cooperative serving groundwater conservation districts in West Texas. Programs are provided free of charge to the public and can be requested for groups of any size, age, or interest.

Every Drop Counts! Stop the Drip...Save a Drop!

about the program

What is SOCOP?

The Southern Ogallala Conservation & Outreach Program was created in 2007 as an educational cooperative serving four groundwater conservation districts in West Texas. Currently, three districts equally share the cost to employ an education and public relations coordinator to carry out the program’s mission.

“Educating communities today to save water tomorrow!”

SOCOP’s goal is to educate citizens of all ages on the importance of water conservation by providing engaging, interactive lessons or programs ⎯ free of charge ⎯ to the public. Programs can be requested for groups of any size, age,
or interest.

The program serves Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum counties in West Texas.
Schools, civic groups, local citizens, or anyone interested in water conservation may contact us to schedule a program.

What is SOCOP?

the case for cooperation

Why An Education Cooperative?

Three groundwater conservation districts have partnered together to maximize impact on water conservation education across the region. Here’s why this cooperative model works:
Multiple rural areas can be impacted in a short period of time.
Each of the three groundwater conservation districts share similar aquifer conditions, enabling key messages to be conveyed uniformly across the region.
Cooperation among the groundwater conservation districts establishes a unified message for maximum impact on conservation efforts.
Fiscal resources are combined to enable development of high quality instructional outreach programs, materials, and resources — thus saving taxpayer dollars.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS & ANNUAL SCHOOL EVENTS

Programs for Every Age

SOCOP offers a variety of engaging programs and annual events designed to bring water conservation education to students, families, and community members of all ages.

rainwater harvesting workshops

Each water district hosts an annual RWH workshop, giving away rain barrels and rain chains to participants.

"Oil & Ag Days", "Terry Co Farm Tour for Kids", "Yoakum Co Conservation Jamboree", "Ag Career Expo (ACE)", "Kids, Kows & More", etc.

SOCOP provides learning activities & assists in full day events to help students learn about conserving water as well as other Ag related topics!

scholarship essay contest

Graduating seniors are encouraged to apply for local scholarship funds by writing an essay targeting a specific water related issue. Topics are released to schools in October, allowing students ample time for research.

Summer Library Reading Programs, Story Hour & YC Literacy

Programs are presented at local libraries & learning centers incorporating hands-on learning activities and literacy for all ages.

education trailer

See state-of-the-art museum models and artwork designed in collaboration with the USGS. The first of its kind in West Texas — the SOCOP mobile classroom brings first-class education directly to you.

about the program

Curriculum Resources

Lesson Development

Educators are invited to solicit help from the Education & Outreach Coordinator to assist in presentation or development of hands-on, engaging, TEKS focused lessons for K-12 students. Lesson presentations will integrate Social Studies, Science, Reading, Writing, Math, or the Arts with an overall focus on water conservation. The Major Rivers Curriculum (2002) is available free of charge to classroom teachers. Major Rivers was specifically written for 4th grade classrooms in Texas under the direction of the Texas Water Development Board. Other educator’s guides such as Project WET, Conserve Water! Healthy Water Healthy People, WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands, Discover a Watershed series, & Give Water a Hand are available on loan to local educators. SOCOP also helps to connect professionals from other agencies (TTU, WTAMU, SPC, Texas Agri-Life Extension, USDA, area Ag business leaders, etc.) with area teachers and students.

Education Library Resources

Classroom teachers, educators, or citizens are welcome to visit Llano Estacado UWCD, Sandy Land UWCD, or South Plains UWCD office to pick up informational
pamphlets on a variety of water related issues. Children’s books, as well as other materials (DVDs, novels, reference material, etc.) are available to local citizens.
A list of book titles and DVDs is available from the Education & Outreach Coordinator.

available resources and guides

The following educator guides and curricula are available through the SOCOP coordinator:
  • Major Rivers Curriculum (2002)
  • Project WET
  • Conserve Water! Healthy Water Healthy People
  • WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands
  • Discover a Watershed series
  • Give Water a Hand

SOCOP Contact Information

Phone
806-891-0993
Email
[email protected]
Office
1012 Ave. F, PO Box 130 Plains, TX 79355
Hours
8AM–12PM & 1PM–5PM

the case for cooperation

Why An Education Cooperative?

Schools, civic groups, local citizens, or anyone interested in water conservation may contact us to schedule a free SOCOP program. Programs are available for groups of any size, age, or interest — at no charge to the public.

Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District partners with Llano Estacado UWCD and South Plains UWCD to deliver SOCOP throughout Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum counties in West Texas.