The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has opened registration for the 2026 Generation Conservation Pre-Summit and Regional competitions, inviting schools statewide to participate in a series of conservation-focused challenges. Registration is open until Sept. 21 for the first round of competitions.
The program features a variety of events designed to engage students in conservation efforts, from cooking wild game and designing nature center exhibits to quiz bowls, debates, and creating action plans to improve their schools’ conservation practices. According to Larami Burge, Generation Conservation coordinator for AGFC’s Education Division, the event is open to public, private, charter, and homeschool students across three divisions: Elementary (Kindergarten through fifth grade), Middle School/Junior High (sixth through eighth grade), and High School (ninth through 12th grade).
“There are no entry or registration fees, but teachers must register as a school,” Burge explained. “We ask that all teachers at a specific school coordinate with each other to ensure only one entry per school per division.”
The yearly competition includes three categories: pre-conference competitions, regional competitions, and on-site events at the annual Generation Conservation Summit, scheduled for Nov. 4-5 at the Bank OZK Arena and Convention Center in Hot Springs. Pre-conference competitions, like conservation planning and designing social media campaigns, are held in October to allow sufficient time for development and judging. Regional competitions are hosted earlier to accommodate schools unable to attend the statewide summit and to manage space requirements at the primary event venue.
“The summit will have casting tanks, a fishing pool, a climbing wall, and many other large exhibits, so splitting up some of the events ensures all schools have the opportunity to participate,” Burge noted.
On-site competitions at the summit will feature teams that qualify during the regional events. These final challenges will include activities such as archery, air riflery, cooking, quiz bowls, debating, and game calling.
Burge encouraged early registration to secure spots in the desired events. “If your school is interested in competing, it’s best to register early for the events you know your students want to compete in. You can go back into registration and modify your list if you add more events,” she said.
For a full list of events and further competition details, teachers and school officials can visit the Generation Conservation section of AGFC’s website at www.agfc.com/generationconservation.