The importance of voluntary land stewardship and the role that forests play in Texas are the focus of this year’s Soil and Water Stewardship Week set for April 28 through May 5.

The theme of the statewide campaign is “May the Forest Be With You Always.”

The promotional efforts are hosted by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and the Association of Texas Soil & Water Conservation Districts, as well as other organizations in Texas, including Texas Farm Bureau.

“Forests contribute immeasurably to the well-being of our communities, our state and the planet,” a campaign news release said. “Beyond producing oxygen and storing carbon, as well as being havens for biodiversity, forests play a crucial role in safeguarding our soil and water resources. They stand as protectors, preventing erosion, filtering contaminants and fostering healthy watersheds. This year’s theme invites us to appreciate the intricate relationship between soil, water and the abundant forests that shape our Texas landscape.”

Forest landowners are an important part of Texas agriculture. They work closely with their local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Texas A&M Forest Service to implement conservation practices that promote the health and sustainability of forests and forest ecosystems.

The goal of this year’s campaign is to shine a light on the forestry industry’s integral role in tandem with agriculture. The collaboration between these sectors is essential for maintaining the health of soil, water and forests. Recognizing their relationship is a step toward fostering sustainable practices that benefit us all, organizers said.

Privately-owned forests contribute significantly to the Texas economy and provide numerous environmental and social benefits.

Essential products made from trees include paper products, lumber, toothpaste, medicines and dyes.

Trees also offer habitat and food to birds, insects, lichen, fungi, mammals and reptiles.

In addition, trees increase quality of life through a relaxing effect, reducing stress. It doesn’t matter where you are—the forest is always with you.

In Texas, 11.7 million people get their clean surface drinking water from forests, organizers said.

This campaign aims to bring more awareness and support to voluntary land stewardship because the way we manage our resources on private lands directly impacts our natural resources.

Partnering organizations in campaign includes Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas, AgriLife Extension, Ducks Unlimited, Plains Cotton Growers, Texan By Nature, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, Texas Association of Dairymen, Texas Conservation Association for Soil and Water, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Forestry Association, Texas Hemp Coalition, Texas Poultry Federation, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, Texas Water Resource Institute, Texas Watershed Steward Program, Texas Wildlife Association, The Nature Conservancy, Upper Trinity Conservation Trust, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and Water Grows.