The Grapevine - nccdea.org€¦ · The Grapevine Spring/Summer 2017 North Carolina Conservation...
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The Grapevine
Spring/Summer 2017
North Carolina
Conservation
District
Employees
Association
Our Statement and
Purpose:
• To strengthen the local
Soil & Water Conservation
Districts of North Carolina
• To provide assistance and
information to local boards
of supervisors and to the
employees of the district to
resolve problems related to
renewable natural resource
conservation
• To assist any agency,
organization, municipality,
group or individual that
support the soil and water
conservation districts of
N.C. in the spirit of cooper-
ation, sound conservation
practice and land use
• To promote, create and
improve the efficiency in
the operations of the district
offices of the counties of
the state
• To provide a vehicle for
personal development of
district employees and to
assist them to better fulfill
their responsibilities
A word from our DEA President
Jenny Parks NCCDEA
President
members as needed during times of
financial hardship. On a personal note,
I have been witnessed to how much
the Benevolence Fund is appreciated.
When an employee, who was a receiv-
er, comes up to you, hugs you, says
thank you, and tells you how much the
NCCDEA Benevolence Fund meant to
them in their time of need, it touched
my heart in more ways than you can
imagine. I am thankful we are able to
offer this to our district employees.
I encourage each of you to participate
in our Professional Development
Employees Program (PDEP). This
program is geared to make the position
of District Employees more profes-
sional. Applications will be due to our
Vice President by October 15, 2017.
Be on the lookout for more infor-
mation coming out about PDEP soon.
Continued on page 2
Currently we have 166 regular mem-
bers and 86 associate members. The
purpose of the NCCDEA is to
strengthen the local Soil and Water
Conservation Districts by providing a
vehicle for personal development of
district employees and to assist them
to better fulfill their responsibilities.
Not only does NCCDEA offer scholar-
ships to children of a NCCDEA
member who is attending a college or
university, we also provide scholar-
ships for members of NCCDEA who
are enrolled in courses to enhance their
job skills. NCCDEA also awards a
student at the Resource Conservation
Workshop a scholarship for pursuing
course study in an environmental
field. NCCDEA also supports district
employees through our Benevolence
Fund to aid all currently employed soil
and water conservation district staff
Greetings NCCDEA! It is with great
pleasure and with much humbleness I
continue to serve as your President and
continue on this journey. I have traveled
all across our beautiful state attending
Area Fall and Spring Meetings and have
had the opportunity to visit areas that I
have never been. I thank each of you
and your supervisors for always making
me feel welcome ~ we have the BEST
Soil and Water Family and I appreciate
every one of you so much! Our mem-
bership continues to grow with regular
and associate members and I could not
be more excited!
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The Conservation Employees Training (CET) will be held August 21-24, 2017 at the Sheraton Imperial in
RTP. Committees are diligently working on the agenda and tracks and that information should be coming out
soon. Please note that we will hold a Golf Tournament on the 21st!!! So pull out your clubs and get ready!
I am super excited about our CET this year and I encourage all of you to attend.
My journey as President has taken me all the way from North Carolina, to Denver, Colorado where I attend-
ed the National Association of Conservation Districts Annual Conference, and to Flowood, Mississippi
where I attended the Southeast Conservation District Employees Association’s Mid Year Planning Meeting.
What awesome experiences I gained from all of my travels. If there is one thing that I bring back to you,
here in North Carolina, is PRIDE! The North Carolina District Employees Association sets precedence
across this nation and it is recognized wherever I travel. The NCCDEA is looked to as a leader for other
states and we all should be very proud of that! My challenge to you is to continue that precedence, become
as involved as you can, support each other, support our supervisors, and support our partners.
I personally thank each of you for your support of NCCDEA, and your support of me. Little did I know how
big we were to others across this nation and I am so proud of us here in North Carolina. Thank YOU for all
that YOU do!
“But we are strong, each in our purpose, and we are all more strong together” ~ Bram Stoker
Jenny
A word from our DEA President Continued from front page
The NCCDEA Mid Year Board Meeting was held in
Asheboro May 2 and 3, 2017. Just a few photos
from our Tuesday evening dinner.
Jenny Parks and Mamie Caison in route to the
Southeast DEA mid year, where we made a stop in
Alabama.
Visit us at our NCCDEA Website
https://sites.google.com/site/nccdea/home
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Hello to all you great District Employees! You guys are amazing! Your dedica-
tion to helping our state preserve and conserve our natural resources is no easy
task, but it’s one we all tackle every day. We see more and more development
in our urban areas and growth just keeps on coming! So many places that were
farmland when I was growing up are now subdivisions, parking lots or business
complexes. And so many people are clueless as to what is going on in our natu-
ral world. It’s up to us, working together with our conservation partners, to as-
sist and teach our fellow citizens that Soil and Water is ours for LIFE! It’s up to
all of us to take care of it and each and every District Employee is already doing
their part to accomplish that. An old saying always comes to my mind – ‘We
don’t own the land, we are merely the caretakers’. So let me say thank you to
each of you for your commitment and dedication to our common goal of being
one of the earth’s caretakers.
I’d also like to say thank you to all of you for your support of the NC Conserva-
tion District Employees Association! We are all stronger together and I am grateful for each of you being a
member. Without YOU, we wouldn’t even be an organization… right? Right now, we have 256 paid mem-
bers of the District Employees Association. But statewide, our Soil & Water District employees and supervi-
sors total over 750 people. So, my question is: Where are the rest of you?? We NEED you to be a member
of the District Employees Association! The number of members we have directly affects the work we all do
in our Districts and what this organization can do for you. NCCDEA advocates for District Employees in
many different situations. If there is an issue that affects us and the way we do our jobs, then DEA is there to
speak up for us and be ‘at the table’ to discuss those issues with our respective partners.
We are working on some changes to our NCCDEA website. I hope that in just a short time the membership
roster will once again be up to date and available for you to check out. If you aren’t sure about your member-
ship status… aka, is yours expired?.... please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. Lots of memberships ex-
pired the end of January, February, March and April and I’m working on getting those folks back on the cur-
rent status. Many of you have gotten my email reminders about your membership and I hope to be hearing
from you soon. Regular memberships are still $25 per year or $70 for three years and Associate member-
ships remain at $10 per year or $25 for three years. And membership forms can be found at https://
sites.google.com/site/nccdea/home and you can always email me at [email protected]. Have a
happy summer and come on and join the NC Conservation District Employees Association!
DEA ~ Working Together for District Development
Cindy Phelps– Membership
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Conservation Employee Training
August 21– 24, 2017
Be sure to mark your calendar and register for the upcoming CET that
will be held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center in
Research Triangle Park August 21-24, 2017.
Hotel registration is now open. Online class registrations will begin in
early May. The CET General Session start time will be posted online.
Our DEA will host a golf tournament as the annual fundraiser. This will
take place Monday morning. Be on the lookout for more details!
Here are some highlights for the training:
Technical Training Administrative Training Educational Training
Tuesday we will be providing a
brand new training called Environ-
mental Evaluations for NC plan-
ners. This one day training is re-
quired for anyone in NC who wish-
es to be a certified conservation
planner.
Wednesday we will be offering a
choice between cultural resources
training, CCAP training, survey-
ing, and tools of watershed man-
agement.
Thursday we will wrap up with
detailed information on becoming
a certified conservation planner,
organization, and food safety infor-
mation.
Tuesday we are thrilled to have
City of Ocala Staff Development &
Training Manager, Anita Kinsler,
present Time Management and Ef-
fective Communication in the AM
and Leadership & Employee Moti-
vation in the PM.
Wednesday morning there will be
two concurrent classes: MS Office
Skills-Intermediate level for Excel
and County Relations. PM sessions
include: MS Office Skills-
Intermediate level for Publisher
and Tools of Watershed Manage-
ment.
Thursday morning sessions
include: Document Retention for
Districts and Cost Share for
District Administrators.
Tuesday will be an all day PLT Early
Childhood Criteria I Workshop.
Developed with preschool educators
and early childhood specialists,
Project Learning Tree’s Environmen-
tal Experiences for Early Childhood
includes over 130 experiences that
engage children in outdoor play and
exploration. It is specifically designed
for educators who work with children
ages three to six. An accompanying
music CD features songs from
children’s musician Billy B. Brennan
that encourage children to sing, dance,
and move.
Wednesday will be morning and
afternoon separate sessions on
Envirothon training topics.
SOILS - training on soil properties
and the use of the Mobile Soils Class-
room trailer.
WILDLIFE – training on wildlife
identification, management, and
habitat.
Thursday morning will be the
“Educational Share Fair.” The upcom-
ing contest theme, Water…the Cycle
of Life, will be highlighted with
resources for district educators to use
with their contest outreach next year.
In addition, other innovative educa-
tional outreach tools will be shared by
participating district educators.
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Best Wishes Pat Harris
Pat Harris began her career with the NC Division of Soil
& Water Conservation over 33 years ago. She started as
a “Field Rep” (the position now known as Regional
Coordinator). She has served as leader for the Operations
Review Team, and the last eight years she has been the
Division Director. It is thought that this is the longest
serving director the Division has had. Many have state
that Pat has been a true model of dedication and leader-
ship.
Pat has been quoted saying, “I’d like to take this oppor-
tunity to say THANK YOU to all of you for making my
30+ yr. career with the division a special one. You’ve
given me the fortunate opportunity to travel across this
great state, to make many friends along the way, and to
retire from this job with the satisfaction that I had a part
in helping to put conservation on the landscape of North
Carolina. I wish all of you only the best!”
We wish you the best in retirement Pat! Good luck!
Welcome Vernon Cox
Vernon Cox of Raleigh will leave his post as head
of the Plant Industry Division to serve as director
of Soil and Water Conservation. The move marks
the Columbus County native’s return to the agen-
cy where he served for 15 years when it was part
of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources.
Cox first joined Soil and Water Conservation in
1995 as an economist working on the Watershed
Grant Program. He was promoted to chief of the
division’s Technical Services Section in 2005,
before becoming an NCDA&CS environmental
policy specialist in 2010. He was promoted to
director of the Plant Industry Division in 2013.
Cox earned undergraduate degrees in agricultural
business management and agricultural engineer-
ing technology from NCSU. He also earned a
master’s degree from NCSU in agricultural
economics. Cox will replace Pat Harris, who is
retiring May 1.
Good luck with your new position Vernon!
A Word From Our DEA
President 1,2
DEA-Working Together for
District Development 3
CET 4
Best Wishes Pat Harris and
Welcome to Vernon Cox 5
Mamie Receives National
Award 6
Spotlight on DEA Officers:
PJ Andrews 7
Spotlight on DEA Officers:
Patty Dellinger 8
Spotlight on DEA Officers:
Dru Harrison 9
Spotlight on DEA Officers:
Rick McSwain 10
What’s Going on Across
the State? 11-16
2017 Fundraiser, NC En-
virothon, Just for the Fun
of It
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Inside this issue:
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PAGE 6 NEWSLETTER TITLE SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Please check out the Big Story on WWAY3 TV that aired on North
Carolina’s own Mamie Caison of Brunswick Soil and Water!
Please click the link below.
http://cdn.field59.com/WWAY/1487983819-
ea7a9f49e53ffc04b8e2653434065457cfb9293e_fl9-720p.mp4
BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) — One Brunswick County woman has just received national recognition for her
hard work.
Mamie Caison has worked for the Brunswick Soil & Water Conservation District for nearly 30 years and
people are noticing what a difference she makes.
Earlier this month, Caison flew out to Colorado to be honored for the “National Conservation District Profes-
sional” award.
She is a Brunswick County native with a huge heart for helping others.
“I have to say I truly do love my job and I have had a passion for it for 29 years,” Caison said. “It’s getting
close to the point now where I need to decide if I’m going to get working or not, but I’m having so much fun.
I don’t want to stop work now.”
She says she loves to be a leader and watching jobs get done but it’s about going the extra mile.
Her job includes teaching in schools about where food comes from and how to conserve our natural
resources and working with farmers about what they can do to improve water quality.
“The part I enjoy the most about my work is that you can make a difference in people’s lives,” Caison said.
Caison has held positions at the community, state, regional, and national levels and says getting this award
was very humbling.
Article written by Helen Holt, 2/24/17, of WWAY, TV LLC
Mamie Receives National Award
Mamie Caison of Brunswick SWCD
National Winner!
Mamie Caison was selected and recognized at the 2017 Na-
tional Association of Conservation Districts as this years’
District Professional of the Year. Congratulations Mamie on
an award well deserved! Mamie is pictured below with 2017
NCASWCD President Chris Hogan at the NACD meeting in
Denver, CO.
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PJ Andrews was recently named the Department Head with
the Pitt Soil & Water Conservation District. He has been
employed with the Pitt District since August 2007. His main
duties include managing the technical field work, animal
waste utilization plans as well as to provide environmental
education.
PJ has an associate degree in horticulture technology from
Lenoir Community College as well as a Bachelors and a
Masters degree from N.C. A &T in agriculture education.
In his spare time PJ enjoys spending time with family, fish-
ing, hunting and playing golf. PJ grew up in Ayden, NC and
has lived in Pitt County his whole life. He currently resides
in Chicod area of Pitt County.
PJ is married to Caroline Andrews of Greenville, NC. They
have one beautiful daughter Aubrey Gray Andrews who is 2
years old and a set of twin boys Wyatt John Andrews and
Bennett Paul Andrews that will arrive mid to early May
2017.
PJ serves as the President-Elect for the DEA.
Spotlight on DEA Officers
And here’s PJ Andrews!
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Spotlight on DEA Officers
Powerhouse Patty!
According to Patty, she says that her life is pretty
boring outside of work - but we don’t believe a word
of that! She lives in Lincolnton and has worked for
the Lincoln SWCD for 29 years! She loves her job
and has enjoyed getting to know so many of the great
people that work in Soil & Water across NC.
Some of her hobbies include walking, hiking, going
to the gym and taking line dance classes with friends.
She occasionally works part time at a local winery
doing wine tastings. She serves on the Hesed House
Board which is Lincoln County’s homeless shelter.
She is also a mentor to a 2nd grade student at a local
elementary school which is very rewarding. She also
enjoys spending time with her family.
Now does that sound boring? I think not! DEA Secretary, Patty Dellinger, from Lincoln SWCD
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My name is Drucilla Harrison, but most people know
me as Dru. I was named after Wonder Woman’s
little sister, but only go by my full name when I am
in trouble ☺
I am originally from Mitchell County and ended up
in Wilmington to go to school at UNCW (GO SEA-
HAWKS!). I interned with the District my senior
year of college and have been here ever since.
Some of you may know I have recently went through
a life changing journey. In 2015 I had gastric by-
pass. I tell you this because it has changed my life
tremendously! I can now do things I would have
never imagined I was capable of doing and most of
these things are what I enjoy the most. One of my
favorite things to do is aerial yoga. This is when you
practice yoga with a silk hanging from the ceiling.
It is very relaxing and wish I could take classes more
frequently. When I am not working I also enjoy
kayaking, paddle boarding, being outside (hiking,
running, gardening), reading, making jewelry, and
playing with pets.
Let me tell you about my husband….
I married Donald A. Benoit (Donnie) 2/14/17. We
met 5 ½ years ago through the “joys” of online
dating. We had never met prior to dating but discov-
ered we had a lot of mutual friends and had been to
a lot of the same events but never connected. He is
originally from Maine, but moved to Wilmington at
the age of 14 and has been in NC ever since (minus
his time in the Navy). We enjoy live music, nerdy
movies, going to comic cons and playing board
games together.
Dru serves the DEA as Treasurer.
Dru, is that you?
Spotlight on DEA Officers
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Hello Rick McSwain!
Spotlight on DEA Officers
Not only do I work with farmers, I consider myself one. I
have a small herd of Black Angus Cattle, (16 mother cows). I
make the hay to feed them and sell the steers at the cattle
sale. My hobbies include hunting and fishing. My passion is
turkey hunting - not for the kill, but for the adventure into the
forest to hunt in the spring. There is nothing like hearing the
birds sing to a new day approaching.
Something that you may not know about me is that I am a
stone mason. Since my teenage years as an apprentice under
the supervision of a professional stone mason, I have worked
with contractors and home owners to transform a common
wooden wall to a stone wall or a cinder block fireplace to a
natural stone fireplace.
I am a certified scuba diver, wildlife damage control agent
and environmental educator.
(Rick serves as the DEA Past-President.)
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What’s Going on Across the State?
NCWF Affiliate of the Year – Cabarrus Soil and Water Conservation District
One of the great strengths of the N.C. Wildlife Federation is its affiliate network, which spans a broad range
of organizations and agencies and other entities that share the Federation’s commitment to wildlife. That
big tent approach is certainly symbolized with the Cabarrus Country Soil and Water Conservation District.
A part of the nation’s very first Soil and Water Conservation District, this agency of scientists and land
managers and communications professionals has put the wise use of natural resources front and center in
Cabarrus County. It has received a Partners for Green Growth Grant, a Clean Water Management Trust
Fund grant to acquire the Suther Wet Prairie for inclusion in the state’s nature reserve program, partners
with Davidson College in its recognized reptiles and amphibians conservation outreach, and works with
more than 7,000 school kids a year to teach about farmland preservation and conservation initiatives. The
Cabarrus County Soil and Water Conservation District is the 2015 NCWF Affiliate of the Year.
Dennis Testerman, recently retired from Cabarrus
SWCD, accepts award.
Ned Hudson (left), Supervisor with Cabarrus
SWCD, accepts a 20 years of service plaque,
presented by State President Ben Knox (right)
at the Area 8 Fall Meeting.
On January 27, 2017, Dennis Testerman retired after over 27
years of service with the Cabarrus Soil and Water Conservation
District. Dennis cites planning CSWCD’s 50th anniversary
celebration as a highlight of his time with CSWCD. Other
highlights include writing a grant to fund an inventory of
natural areas throughout the county, working to designate the
Suther Wet Prairie Significant Natural Heritage Area as a state-
owned nature preserve, and assisting the board with develop-
ment of a now-growing conservation easement / farmland
preservation program. Best wishes on your retirement Dennis!
On March 28th, Cabarrus SWCD closed on a Conservation Easement on Porter Farm. The 173-acre easement was
purchased through grant funds from both the NC Agriculture Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund and
the federal Agriculture Conservation Easement Program. Vicky and Tommy Porter, Cabarrus SWCD Board Chair and
Secretary-Treasurer, respectively, maintain a swine, beef, and pullet operation on their farm. The easement represents
a portion of their land, and includes floodplain areas on Hartsell’s Branch in the impaired Dutch Buffalo watershed.
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Boy Scout Eagle Project takes on
Storm Water Management By: Will Creef
Local Boy Scout, Aaron Sexton from Troop #996, conducted his Eagle Scout project dealing with a very
important subject in Moyock, NC—Storm Water Management.
Aaron was successful in his project. He and his troop were able to clear debris and rocks from the Moyock
Library storm water outlet and then reuse those same rocks to stabilize the bank of a major outlet ditch off
Puddin’ Ridge Rd. While not the most glamorous work he could have chosen for his project, it is arguably
one of the most important subjects for the residents in Moyock, NC. Troop #996 includes: Kevin Plumb
Jr, Francis Plumb, Alex Plumb, Gabe Patch, Justin Saunders, Jalen Saunders, Neil Spence, Chris Dunlop,
Matthew Heilig, Jonathan Florence, Aaron Sanford and Aaron Sexton. A big thank you to Aaron Sexton,
parents and Troop #996 for the hard work and dedication.
Aaron Sexton—Moyock Library Ditch
Moyock Library Ditch
Boy Scout Troop #996—Puddin’ Ridge Rd
Ditch #5 (Moyock)
Ditch #5—Puddin’ Ridge Rd
What’s Going on Across the State?
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What’s Going on Across the State?
A small group of Dare County residents joined Dare Soil and Water Conservation District and the North
Carolina Coastal Federation on March 25 for a rain harvesting workshop.
Participants learned about how stormwater runoff impacts our water quality and how harvesting it can re-
duce stormwater runoff. They also enjoyed sharing unique techniques they implement at home to harvest
rainwater. Upon completion of the workshop, they received a free rain barrel to use at home.
“Some of the participants already had rain barrels in place at home and were eager to utilize another rain
water collection device,” said Ann Daisey, Community Conservationist for Dare SWCD. “This time, maybe
getting a little bit more creative.”
The group talked about the creative ways they plan to utilize their rain barrels. Daisey said one couple wants
to try to use collected rainwater in their sprinkler system, and another offered recommendations for how to
keep mosquitoes away.
In addition to learning about stormwater runoff and ways to use their own rain barrels at home, they also
had the opportunity to see the best management practices (BMPs) that are installed at the federation’s Wan-
chese office. These BMPs include a rain barrel, rain garden, permeable pavement and bagged oyster shell.
This workshop was made possible through a grant from the Northeast North Carolina Coastal Research and
Environmental Education Fund, which is a fund from the Currituck-Dare Community Foundation.
“A casual, informative environment to share stories and techniques provided for a wonderful workshop that
many hope will be offered again,” Daisey said.
Dare SWCD received grant and held free Rain Harvesting Workshop
Pamela Stroupe has decided to hang up her hat and
retire effective July 1st. Pam is known for wearing
many hats—not just this bedazzled hat she wore at a
recent fundraiser for the DEA.
Pam is the Environmental Educator for the Gaston
Natural Resources Department – a role she has
served in for 10 years. She has also served as the
Chair of the Education Committee. She will continue
to serve as the Vice Chairperson on the Lincoln
SWCD Board. Pam plans to stay active with the
Envirothon and other events sponsored by the
NCASWCD.
Good luck with your retirement Pam!
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On April 20, the Franklin Soil & Water Conservation District was privileged to award the 2017 Source
Water Protection award for Source Water Implementation to Franklinton residents Mike and Sam Hicks.
The conservation Best Management Practices (BMP) implemented by the Hicks family have benefitted and
greatly improved the surface water quality surrounding and flowing into the Cedar Creek watershed and the
Franklinton NC reservoir. Mr. Hicks and his father have successfully worked with the Franklin Soil &
Water Conservation District for over 20 years. They have successfully implemented and maintained many
BMP’s on farmland they own and/or operate. The Franklin Soil & Water Conservation District recognizes
the most valuable conservation results received by the BMP, Sod Based Rotation (SBR). As part of their
conservation plan, the Hicks family implemented 246.74 acres into SBR for the 2013-2015 planting sea-
sons. If not enrolled in SBR, these acres would have been planted in wheat and soybeans. By planting
grass (fescue) instead, a total 172.74 pounds of soil was saved – a result of planting a cover on the land and
not disturbing the soil. By implementing this BMP, there was also a reduction of 7523.95 pounds of nitro-
gen during the three year period.
All farmland owned and operated by the Hicks family is located in the impaired and impacted Cedar Creek
watershed in Franklin County. Waters from this watershed flow directly into the nearby Franklinton, NC
reservoir on Long Mill Road. This reservoir serves as a major drinking water source for families and busi-
nesses located in this area. By reducing the amount of soil and nitrogen that is introduced into these waters
there is a significant increase in the clarity, physical and biological condition of those waters.
The Source Water Protection awards are the result of the Source Water Collaborative’s (SWC) initiative to
develop and support strategies designed to preserve the lakes, streams, rivers and aquifers used for drinking
water and the land that protects and recharges these sources of water. Initiated in 2014, nominations are
sought for candidates that demonstrate innovative, proactive, and collaborative solutions to protect North
Carolina’s drinking water and the watersheds that support it.
What’s Going on Across the State?
Franklin Soil & Water Supervisor Charles Mitchell and NCACSP
Specialist Charles Bass, present the 2017 Source Water Implementation
Award to Mr. Sam Hicks and his wife Jane.
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What’s Going on Across the State?
Welcome Chelsea Greenhaw—New Conservation Education Specialist
A recent graduate of North Carolina State University, Chelsea Greenhaw
brings over three years of experience in the environmental education field
to Union County SWCD. Chelsea has her bachelor’s degree in Fisheries,
Wildlife, and Conservation Biology and has worked for organizations such
as the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the Center for Human
Earth Restoration, and the National Park Service. She is extremely excited
for the opportunity to help others learn about our natural resources and is
thrilled to be with Union County!
Welcome Jamie Vincent—New Resource Conservation Specialist
Pitt Soil and Water is happy to introduce Jamie Vincent. Jamie is the new
Resource Conservation Specialist for the District. He comes from a long
line on conservationists. Jamie started working with the District on March
27, 2017. He is married with three little girls and is a military veteran.
Jamie has hit ground running and looks forward to working in the
community.
Hello Katie Earl—Cleveland SWCD
Katie Earl joined the Cleveland Soil & Water Conservation
District in October 2016. She is a former HR Manager and
YMCA Director. She lives in Lawndale, NC with her two
boys, Cooper (7) and Parker (8) on her family’s farm. Katie is
a 4th generation cattle producer and she and her dad operate
Fieldstone Farms- their family’s commercial beef cattle opera-
tion. Katie thoroughly enjoys her job and is actively pursuing
her Environmental Educator certification.
Thanks to those who contributed articles to this edition of
The Grapevine. Please contact Louise Wooten to contribute
articles for upcoming newsletters.
[email protected] or 704.873.6761 x 108
Welcome Clint Brooks—Cabarrus SWCD
Clint Brooks began work with the Cabarrus Soil and Water Conservation
District on April 17th. Clint previously worked with Stanly SWCD as
District Director and Mecklenburg County with the Department of
Natural Resources.
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PAGE 16 NEWSLETTER TITLE SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Chatham SWCD Office Moved
The Chatham SWCD has moved offices
into the brand new Chatham County
Agricultural & Conference Center. The
new building is located one mile west of
the historic court house and traffic circle
in downtown Pittsboro. Our new office
and mailing address is: 1192 US 64 W.
Business, Suite 200 Pittsboro, NC 27312
What’s Going on Across the State?
Randy Freeman of Randolph Soil and
Water welcomed twin boys on 2/21/17.
Granger and Cooper are happy, healthy
and enjoy figuring out the world along-
side big brother Avery, 18 months old.
Henderson County Soil and Water Staff Changes Henderson
County Soil & Water Conservation District has experienced
a few staff changes recently. Laurie Brokaw, our previous
Education Coordinator, retired after 14 years of service with
the Soil and Water Conservation District. We will miss her
strong work ethic and friendly personality.
April Hoyt filled the Education Coordinator position in
January. April has a background in Ecology and over a
decade of Environmental Education experience. She has
worked with Henderson County SWCD for the past four
years as the Administrative Assistant.
Caroline Wicker, a native of eastern North Carolina, joined
the team on March 13th as the new Administrative Assistant.
Caroline received a biology degree from Asbury University,
was a 4-H Agent with Cooperative Extension, and worked at
Van Wingerden International before joining the Soil and
Water team.
Caroline Wicker and April Hoyt
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SE DEA 2017 Raffle
DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter
Given away 9/9/17 @ SENACD
Annual Meeting in Greenville, SC
Tickets: $5 each or $20 for 5
For the fun of it...
What did a mother buffalo say to her little boy as he left for school? Bison
And my favorite….What do you get if you cross a parrot with a centipede? A walkie-talkie!
Thanks to Watchable Wildlife Joke Page: http://www.watchablewildlifenwia.org/links-Jokes.htm
2017 NC Envirothon Highlights The 27th Annual North Carolina Envirothon was held Friday and Saturday, April 28th and 29th.
Fifty-one high school teams and forty-eight middle school teams and hundreds of volunteers converged on Cedarock
Park near Burlington to enjoy the wonderful weather and to participate in the Envirothon competition.
Following are lists of awards presented for teams’ outstanding performances. Awards will also be presented to the top
ten and winning FFA Soil and Water Conservation Districts at either the Fall Area Meetings or at the State Meeting.
2017 High School Envirothon 1st Place - Davidson, Davidson County Home School, High Rock Mighty Oaks
2nd Place – Stanly, Stanly Montgomery Home School Association, Yellow Populars
3rd Place – Wilson, Home School, Those Homeschoolers
2017 Middle School Envirothon 1st Place – Chatham, Woods Charter School, When Butter Flies
2nd Place – Davidson, Davidson Home School, Mother Nature’s Minions
3rd Place – Madison, Madison Middle School, Cacti Catz
2017 FFA High School Teams 1st Place – Alamance, Southern Alamance High School, Southern Alamance FFA
2nd Place – Transylvania, Rosman High School, Straight Out of Dirt FFA
3rd Place – Pasquotank, Northeastern High School, Eagles FFA
Be sure to check out 2017 NC Envirothon photos at this site: https://sites.google.com/site/envirothonnc/media/pictures
A huge THANKS to all the volunteers that helped make this Envirothon a success!
What happens to a frog when it gets too many park-ing tickets? It gets toad!
Why was the frog happy? Because he ate everything that bugged him!
What did the frog say to the other frog? Time’s fun when you’re having flies!
Why did the turkey cross the road? To prove he wasn’t chicken!
What do you get if a line of 100 rabbits step back-wards at the same time? A receding hairline!
Why don’t turkeys get invited to cocktail parties? They use fowl language
What birds spend most of their time on their knees? Birds of Prey
What do you call a deer with no eyes? No eye deer