The Global Soil Partnership (GSP) at the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has declared 2015 the International Year of Soils. In celebration, the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is coordinating a series of activities throughout 2015 to educate the public about the importance of this precious natural resource.

“When GSP recognized the urgent need to raise awareness and promote sustainability of our limited soil resources by designating 2015 International Year of Soils, we knew this was our opportunity to make an impact with the public,” says David Lindbo, past president of SSSA, and a professor of soil science at NC State University. “Soil—like air, water and sunlight—is one of the natural resources necessary for life,” says Lindbo. “By telling the story of what soil does for us as humans, we hope to increase the respect humans give back to soil, to protect it for future generations.”

SSSA’s 6,000+ members are being encouraged to interact with the public with a series of 12 monthly messages throughout the year. If you would like an SSSA member to speak to your audience (schools, community groups, gardening groups, etc.) please fill out the Ask a Scientist form at soils4teachers.org/ask. In addition, SSSA members have created materials for educators to teach to the K-12 audience. All materials can be found at soils.org/iys starting on January 1st and will be updated throughout 2015.