Conservation Pages Newsletter...3rd Place Caroline Hansen Piedmont Open IB Middle School Summer...

“Special Delivery” - what often comes to mind is the delivery of a specific item to an extraordinary person. In the early 1900’s Florists Transworld Delivery or FTD created a delivery service that was originally designed as a wire service for florists to take orders for flowers and the orders would be delivered to the recipients’ addresses. FTD made it possible to deliver fresh flowers to many homes and businesses around the world. Now that’s remarkable. Fast forward to 2020 and special delivery has expanded to include big box names like Amazon, Fed Ex and UPS. These giant corporations provide special delivery on just about everything one can think of including the kitchen sink. When Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District had to cancel their Annual Awards Banquet due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), they decided on personally delivering contest awards directly to public and private schools. After coordinating with principals and teachers at seven different schools, the dates and times were determined. On May 13, 2020 Nancy Carter, Hermes Goudes and Anganette Byrd set out to make those special deliveries to Charlotte Christian School, Charlotte Country Day School, Elizabeth Lane Elementary School, Omni Montessori School, Piedmont Open IB Middle School, Shamrock Gardens Elementary School and Smithfield Elementary School.

In This Issue > > > Meet Our Newest Supervisor Celebrating 50 Years of Earth Day and more

A Special Delivery Jacqueline H. Barone, Principal at Piedmont Open IB Middle School, met personally with Anganette Byrd in the school parking lot at 9:30 a.m. on May 13, 2020, because the school was closed due to the coronavirus. Principal Barone was pleased to receive two awards for students Caroline Hansen and Chloe Mills. Principal Barone mentioned teachers and students really enjoyed participating in the contests and students learned more information about conservation and wetlands.

MSWCD is pleased to announce winners of the 2019-2020 “Wetlands are Wonderful” Contests. Please see the outstanding work of this year’s participants on pages 6-14.

Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District

Conservation Pages Newsletter Insight to soil and water conservation

A “Special Delivery” to Shamrock Gardens Elementary School

Summer Newsletter July 2020

Conservation District Employee Spotlight > > >

Leslie N. Vanden Herik, our District Manager has been with the District since 2008; she holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from UNC Charlotte and has completed graduate coursework in both soils and earth sciences at NC State University and UNC Charlotte. Having previously completed Levels I and II of Wildland Hydrology’s Hydrology Short Courses (often known simply as “Rosgen” training) she is excited to be attending Level III, River Morphology and Applications taught by hydrologist Dr. Dave Rosgen this fall. Leslie supplements this training by regularly working under NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation Professional Engineers to learn the ‘in’s and out’s’ of natural channel stream design methodology and practical application, on the ground.

As the District Manager, Leslie ‘wears many hats’, in addition to managing the day to day operations of the District, Leslie manages four cost share programs (three water quality and one water quantity), serves as grant administrator and project manager. Leslie is a ‘city girl’ who has earned the trust and respect of the farmers and other agricultural producers she assists, as well as understanding the needs of the urban/suburban citizens the District also serves. During her tenure with the District she has applied for and managed EPA Section 319, NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund, NC Division of Water Resources Shallow Draft Navigation Channel and Lake Dredging Program grants and assisted with the application for and management of a Duke Energy Water Resources Fund grant. Leslie works with our partners at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and NCDA&CS Division Soil and Water Conservation to provide technical expertise and project management services not only to citizens but to government and NGO partners in Mecklenburg County. Leslie is regularly called upon to provide educational outreach programs for adults on natural resource topics such as invasive species identification and management and backyard conservation. When needed, she also supports our Education Coordinator with student educational programs and initiatives. Leslie is always happy to allow recent graduates/aspiring conservationists to spend time job shadowing and assisting in the field and office, giving them opportunities to gain valuable real-world experience. While Leslie loves all of what she does, her passion truly lies in learning and implementing all aspects of stream stabilization and restoration projects (funding, design, permitting, construction oversight) and any project that presents a challenge. During her tenure, she has worked on the only forced air composter for horse manure cost shared in the state, assisted a non-profit in implementing a water well while navigating restrictions from a previously remediated Brownfield, managed the collaborative dredging of Brown’s Cove, partnered with the Town of Davidson on the stabilizing a stream behind Davidson Elementary after years of searching for a funding source, to name a few. Her role with the District keeps her on her toes, but it is never boring and keeps her looking forward to our next endeavors!

Leslie at ‘Rosgen Training’ in Asheville, NC collecting

data for a pebble count.

Leslie with NCDA&CS Engineer Cindy Safrit and recent graduate

Nicole Carolan assessing a streambank in Huntersville.


An Open letter toNCGA Mecklenburg Delegation

Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners and Charlotte City CouncilFrom

Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation DistrictBoard of Supervisors

The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District stands in solidarity with you, as together we work to resolve injustices that have caused so much pain and suffering in our community.

We pledge our support for solutions that resolve long-standing inequities and especially those related to agriculture and food system access endemic to food insecure communities. These communities are very often the same black and brown communities disproportionately impacted by health pandemics, as well as climate and environmental injustices.

We pledge our continued partnership with those grassroots organizations which provide fresh produce to food insecure neighborhoods and expanded their service to thousands of families in need as the COVID-19 pandemic spread.

We acknowledge the enormous challenges ahead for local government to act swiftly and intentionally to heal traumatized people, and we recognize that this effort will entail a multi-faceted investment in underserved communities. We stand prepared with unwavering commitment to reduce food insecurity as a top priority.

2145 Suttle Avenue – Charlotte, NC 28208 – 704-336-2455

www.mecklenburgconservation.com

Conservation District Spotlight > > >


http://www.mecklenburgconservation.com

The Urban Cost Share Program is an incentive-based program designed to help land users address existing erosion and other non-point source water pollution issues in approved watersheds.

The program offers financial and technical assistance to reduce runoff, stop erosion and address other non-point source pollution issues. Approved applicants are eligible to receive 75% of allowable costs, up to $7,500.00, associated with installing approved Best Management Practices at their location. Urban Cost Share Availability: The full Urban Cost Share Program is open to citizens throughout the City of Charlotte and in unincorporated Mecklenburg County.

As of 2016, we are also expanded our program to include the six other municipalities in Mecklenburg County. Citizens in Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Huntersville and Cornelius are now eligible to apply for assistance with stabilization of eroding streambanks. Due to restrictions by our grant funding source, citizens in these areas are NOT currently eligible for assistance with remaining practices, excepting riparian buffers associated with a streambank stabilization project.

Urban Cost Share Program Information: To be considered for assistance, please complete an interest form as a first step in being considered for assistance. District staff will review forms and property maps and schedule a site assessment and assist with application to the program when appropriate.

All applications to the program are ranked for their benefit to water quality. Qualified applications are funded in order of rank as funds allow. Approved applicants will receive a BMP design and installation guidance. Applicants may begin implementation of practices upon notice of board approval. Funds expended prior to board approval are not eligible for reimbursement. Per contract terms, participants are responsible for maintaining practices for a minimum of five years. Additional restrictions may apply.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) Best Management Practices Offered (City of Charlotte and Unincorporated Mecklenburg County only): Critical Area Planting: Establishing permanent vegetation on sites that have steep slopes with high erosion rates, and on sites that have physical, chemical, or biological conditions that prevent the establishment of vegetation with normal practices.

Grassed Waterway (Swale): A natural or constructed channel that is shaped or graded to required dimensions and established in suitable vegetation for the stable conveyance of runoff.

Pet Waste Receptacles: Receptacles and supplies to better manage pet waste, usually in public areas. Rain Garden: A landscaped area that collects storm water runoff.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) Best Management Practices Offered (throughout Mecklenburg County, including the seven municipalities): Streambank Stabilization: Vegetative stabilization (planting) and/or grading of erosive streambanks and shorelines to stabilize erosion and reduce soil loss. Riparian Buffers (restrictions apply): An area dominated by trees and/or shrubs located adjacent to and up-gradient from water courses or water bodies.

For additional information or questions, please contact the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District at 704.336.2455 or [email protected]


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YNurzxoHI-pGZFgm1GKKHhbIe7rYjmmdrFuX6gppG1A/viewform

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YNurzxoHI-pGZFgm1GKKHhbIe7rYjmmdrFuX6gppG1A/viewform

mailto:Leslie.VandenHerik%40mecklenburgcountync.gov?subject=


Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) The newest of our state cost share assistance programs; the Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) is available to assist with increasing water availability for agricultural production. The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District has requested an allocation of $30,000.00 for the 2021 fiscal year. Funds will be available to assist with the construction of new farm ponds (restrictions apply), the dredging or repair of existing farm ponds, wells for irrigation and/or livestock watering and other water quantity related conservation practices. For more information, please call 704.336.2455 or visit www.MecklenburgConservation.com

Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) The NC Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) is a statewide program designed to help citizens to address urban/suburban non-point source pollution and erosion issues, much like our local Urban Cost Share Program. This program is especially valuable to citizens who live within the corporate limits of the towns of Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Mint Hill, Matthews and Pineville (eligible for only limited practices through the UCSP). Available practices include: Cisterns, Rain Gardens, Backyard Wetlands, Riparian Buffers, Pet Waste Receptacles and more. CCAP is available county wide, however funding is limited. The FY21 CCAP regional funding cycle will open in the coming months. If you wish to be considered for funding, please contact the District as soon as possible. Incoming applications will be ranked and reviewed for maximum water quality benefit and submitted to the next regional funding pool. Approved applicant will receive technical assistance related to best management practices (BMPs) specific to their site, as well as reimbursement of up to 75% of allowable expenses. For more information, please call 704.336.2455 or visit www.MecklenburgConservation.com

Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP) The District is available to help farmers and other agricultural producers reduce erosion and prevent other water pollution. The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District has requested an allocation of $50,000.00 for the 2021 fiscal year. Funds will be available to assist with the cost of installing conservation practices to protect water quality and agricultural interests. Practice examples include livestock exclusion systems, waste management systems, stream stabilization and more. For more information, please call 704.336.2455 or visit www.MecklenburgConservation.com

Cost Share Programs > > >

State Cost Share Programs

Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program


https://www.mecknc.gov/LUESA/WaterandLandResources/Conservation/Pages/default.aspx




Conservation District Contests > > >

Leah Gil 1st Place

Bookmark Contest - Grade Level 1 Smithfield Elementary School

Madelyn Cribb 2nd Place


Mae Froneberger 3rd Place




Ellen Welles Hunter 1st Place

Bookmark Contest - Grade Level 3 Charlotte Country Day School

Carson Hyder 3rd Place

Bookmark Contest - Grade Level 3 Charlotte Country Day School

Austin Ji 2nd Place

Bookmark Contest - Grade Level 3 Elizabeth Lane Elementary School



Wetlands are Wonderful Poster Contest

Khushi Asija 1st Place

3rd Grade Competition Charlotte Country Day School Carson Hyder

2nd Place 3rd Grade Competition

Charlotte Country Day School

Henry McLaughlin 3rd Place

3rd Grade Competition Charlotte Country Day School




Maya Rao 1st Place

4th Grade Competition Omni Montessori School Simba Santana

2nd Place 4th Grade Competition

Shamrock Gardens Elementary School

Regan Dougherty 3rd Place

4th Grade Competition Omni Montessori School




Gabriela Gutierrez 1st Place

5th Grade Competition Omni Montessori School

Madelyn Shaw 2nd Place

5th Grade Competition Omni Montessori SchoolSavannah Riley

3rd Place 5th Grade Competition

Shamrock Gardens Elementary School




Chloe Mills 1st Place

6th Grade Competition Piedmont Open IB

Middle School

Peyton Zuckerberg 2nd Place

6th Grade Competition Charlotte Christian School

Eden Davis 3rd Place

6th Grade Competition Charlotte Christian School



I jumped around the house, pouncing on the cat. “Dot! Where are you?” My owner Lily called her southern accent booming. I barked to let her know I was in the living room. She came in wearing dirty clothes she only wore when it was raining outside. “We’re going on a tour of the wetlands. I have lived in North Carolina for nine years and we’ve never seen a swamp, marsh or even a bog in all that time. We are going on a tour!” I barked happily. I have always seen the videos on TV but I’ve never gone there. Lily put on my collar and we ran out to the car. I was ready to see the wetlands.

When we rolled up on the gravel path a man close to Lily’s age, maybe twenty, greeted us. “Dot”, she said, “this is my friend from college, Jeremy; Jeremy, this is Dot my golden retriever.” Jeremy put his hand out and I put my paw on it as Lily had taught me. Her laughed, gestured to the boat and helped Lily in. I followed Lily and leaped in. He started the boat and we sped across the water. The fresh cold water splashed up in my face. I smelled the deep mud and barked at every frog we passed. Jeremy started talking about the wildlife and why we should help save the wetlands. He told Lily to watch me because alligators would jump up and eat me. I knew that he was lying but still, I shivered at the thought. I decided to stop goofing around and listen when Lily asked about wetland and its purpose.

“Well, Lily, a wetland is like a sponge. It stops the water from flooding oceans. I make it a goal of mine to preserve them because they give homes and shelter to wildlife such as frogs and gators.” Jeremy said gators like Lily does. A toad croaked in the distance. I saw it jump onto a log and breath in to make a nasty sound. Jeremy started to talk again, “ I also fish here and depend on these waters for food, like most birds and animals around here. But most importantly pollution around here and the new construction sites, I’m moving next fall.” “Wow!” I thought. So people and animals depend on this place for food and a home. Maybe this place isn’t horrible dump after all.”

Lily asked how she could help and Lily started to talk to him aboutHow to preserve this swamp and the animals there. I was then even more interested. Jeremy docked the boat and kissed Lily’s hand when she exited the boat. “Gross!” I thought. I ran to the woods to do my business and jumped shotgun. I rode home with Lily thinking, “Wetlands are indeed wonderful.”

Wetlands are Wonderful

1st Place Piper Fair Charlotte Christian School



The aggressive bulldozer seemed to be chasing me. BOOM! Another tree fell. The dirt flew up and blocked my view of the clearing ahead. Fly my bluebird wings, fly. Splash! Another tree tumbled down into the forest swamp. It was my tree. I hovered in shock as I watched my home disappear into the thick mud. My food is gone, my nest is gone, and worst of all, my family is gone. Lost in all of the rain and smoke. “They are still out there!” I told myself but I could only hope. HONK! The hasty bulldozer was on my tail again. Just then a huge snake shot out from the mud-packed bushes and dove for me. I quickly dodged the poisonous animal and flew to the work site. We all were eager to find food. Once I found a towering oak tree to land on, I saw the damage that had taken place. Bulldozers, timber, and muck filled my view. I yelled down to the humans, “Stop! Stop! Can’t you see we live here? Please.” But it was no use. Then, the rain came. It was soft at first but it soon felt like pellets of fire to the touch. The anxious machines still worked on. Suddenly I heard a deafening siren ringing through the thick air. The swishing flood waters were creeping towards the river limits and began to pour over like a tipped cup. Before all of this began the cozy valley below my forest was full of peaceful neighborhoods and winding streets. Now, the valley is right in the path of the flash flood. The people that destroyed my home, destroyed their own as well. The workers’ cars that were parked a few feet away from the work site were now racing away from the rising waters. I flew in the opposite direction, towards the valley. I turned the corner of an abandoned street and that was when I saw the destruction. Homes were collapsing in front of me. People’s cries echoed through my ears as I raced back to the place I once called home. “I can’t help them, “ I thought to myself, “but they could have helped me.” I landed on a rusty bulldozer and waddled onto the ragged seat. My thoughts trailed off to my family of bluebirds that would twitter to wake me up about the fish that would dance within the crystal springs, about the crickets that chirped at the moon and the big, grandfather owl that hoots everyone goodnight. Maybe this is all a bad dream and I will wake up in the morning. Maybe.


2nd Place Eden Davis Charlotte Christian School



Wetlands. These wonderful and beautiful places are what many species call home. These include animals such as alligators, storks, crayfish, herons, and turtles. Wetlands might not be our first choice of vacation but they are amazing habitats for many different creatures, whether it be plant or animal. Wetlands are bodies of water just like any other, but the characteristics making them different is its large amount of aquatic plants. Like oceans, lakes, and ponds, wetlands have a good amount of water, with water covering it for the whole year, hence the name, wetlands. However, the waters are home to lots of water grasses such as reeds and cattails. They are also not as deep as other bodies can get, usually with soil and mud very close to the surface. Either way, they are extremely important, both to humans and nature. For one, they can help prevent flooding by holding water inside and keeping the water levels where they need to be. They also provide animals with food and an area to reproduce. Amphibians like lizards and frogs live their lives in the woods but come back to the water to lay their eggs. Most of the wetlands in North Carolina are located in the Coastal Plain region, where they can be found in between low lying ridges or by streams or rivers. They are more scarce in the Piedmont, but can still be found as swamps and marshes. They are even more scarce in the mountains, and can be found in the flat areas of mountains as bogs. Wetlands destruction is occurring more rapidly than any other ecosystem. Since the 1800s, 4.273 million acres of wetlands in Michigan have been destroyed. That’s about 40%! This is all due to construction, farming, roads, and more. Almost two-thirds of the Great Lakes Basin wetlands has been destroyed as well. Destruction of wetlands decreases the population of the wildlife that live there and can also increase water pollution. Along with those two major negatives, destroying wetlands can lead to flood and drought damage, which could lead to even more destruction. And wetlands are good for our economy. Activities like bird watching, hunting, or fishing generate 22 billion dollars a year, and if we restored the Great Lakes, that could generate 50 billion dollars and create more jobs for more people. Despite these things, there are multiple ways to protect our wetlands and environment that you can do. One simple one is to get involved in a community clean up. Another pretty straightforward one is to not fill in wetlands when building structures or homes. You can also use non-toxic products for cleaning and lawn care. In addition to this, be mindful of the fertilizer you use- some fertilizers pollute nutrients which in turn promotes aquatic dead zones which are toxic to humans. Also, RECYCLE, REUSE, and REDUCE! If we did these three, we could reduce the Earth’s trash significantly. Be mindful and please protect our WETLANDS!


3rd Place Caroline Hansen Piedmont Open IB Middle School


Conservation District Tree Sale > > >

For this year’s tree sale, I decided to buy some saplings for the yard. I decided, if I could get one of each that I don’t have already, in other words, a pawpaw, titi, beautyberry, sweetshrub, spicebush, sassafras, fringe tree, waxmyrtle, and sweet pepperbush. Unfortunately, I forgot to give my dad my money that I wanted for the trees. That didn’t matter because someone else bought some trees to donate to a child who would care for them, who ended up being me! I got a lot of the trees I had originally wanted: beautyberry, titi, pawpaw, sassafras, spicebush, and sweet pepperbush, along with Eastern red cedar, winterberry holly, buttonbush, and sweetbay magnolia, and even another buttonbush left over from the sale. I planted each somewhere they would like (titi in full sun, pawpaw in a lot of damp soil, etc) and where they would be easy to access, even if the magnolia wasn’t even in my yard! I watered them with a bucket when they needed it, which wasn’t very much, and watched to see when their first leaves would sprout. I had a few problems though, deer ate the tops of the saplings. The holly, pepperbush, and front buttonbush had small pieces snapped off, but the titi was half eaten. I knew it was alive though, because of its green stem. Soon the plants all had leaves, starting with the spicebush and ending with the sassafras, which has buds now. Even the titi grew leaves around its base. Also, I named most of them: Beautyberry: Rachel, Titi: Tyler (obviously), Sassafras: Sophia (after my sister) and Magnolia: Avery. The rest I forgot. A lot of the trees have companions or jobs. The beautyberry, spicebush, and holly are all bird food (the berries), the titi and pepperbush are to add a little shade, the cedar as a companion plant for some liatras, the pawpaw as a garden tree and for the fruit we can, yes, eat, the sassafras and magnolia can be used as herbals, and the buttonbushes and fringe tree are for wildlife shelter and an extra splash of color. I’ll just say I’m very glad that I got those trees and that I’ll always take care of them. - Shelby

Lucky Trees


Seedling (Trees) Mark selection with an “X”

A - BlackgumB - CatalpaC - Eastern RedbudD - Eastern Red CedarE - Flowering DogwoodF - Fringe TreeG - Green AshH - PawpawI - PecanJ - PersimmonK - Red MapleL - River BirchM - SassafrasN - ServiceberryO - Shagbark HickoryP - Sweetbay MagnoliaQ - TitiR - Wild PlumS - Willow OakT - Yellow Poplar

Conservation District Tree Sale Survey > > >

Seedling (Shrubs) Mark selection with an “X”

A - Arrowwood ViburnumB - BeautyberryC - Button BushD - Chickasaw PlumE - HazelnutF - Highbush BlueberryG - Oakleaf HydrangeaH - Possumhaw ViburnumI - Red ChokeberryJ - ShadbushK - SpicebushL - Sweet PepperbushM - SweetshrubN - Virginia SweetspireO - WaxmyrtleP - Winterberry HollyQ - Witch HazelR - Yaupon HollyS - Yellowroot

Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD) is gearing up for the 2021 Annual Tree Seedling Sale. In preparation of this annual event we would like your input on the types of seedling and shrub species you would like to see at the sale. Please note that all seedlings are subject to availability and there is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain seedlings you desire.

Please use the form below to indicate with an “X” which seedlings you would like to see offered in our next sale. Please feel free to write in the name of any seedling not listed.

Please e-mail this survey to: [email protected] no later than August 1, 2020. Thank you for your time and assistance.


mailto:Anganette.Byrd%40mecklenburgcountync.gov?subject=

Newsletter SponsorshipDo you own or run a farm, natural resource or other conservation related business? Would you be interested in sponsoring our newsletter through a small ad? If so, we need your input! What size add would you be interested in – one eight page, quarter page, half page? How much would you consider a reasonable cost for sponsorship? How frequently would you be interested in sponsoring? Our newsletter is distributed via e-mail once a quarter to over 2,500 people in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area in addition to posting it on our website. We need your feedback to help us move forward with development of a newsletter sponsorship program. If you or someone you know might be interested in newsletter sponsorship, please send us your feed-back to [email protected].

*A special thanks to our proud partner Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services.

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

For Your Information

Contact Information2145 Suttle Avenue Charlotte, NC 28208 704.336.2455 Office Hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Supervisors Barbara Bleiweis, Chairman [email protected] Nancy Carter, Vice-Chairman [email protected] Hermes Goudes, Treasurer [email protected] Jacelyn Rice-Boayue [email protected]

Associate Supervisor: Gray Newman

StaffLeslie Vanden Herik Conservation District Manager [email protected] Anganette Byrd Administrative Support Assistant III [email protected] USDA NRCS Shauntae Britt Supervisory Soil Conservationist [email protected]

NC Division of Soil & Water Conservation Rick McSwain Western Regional Coordinator [email protected]

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Conservation Pages Newsletter...3rd Place Caroline Hansen Piedmont Open IB Middle School Summer...

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