1

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!

2

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

3

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 cphelps@franklincountync.us. Have a

happy summer and come on and join the NC Conservation District Employees Association!

DEA ~ Working Together for District Development

Cindy Phelps– Membership

4

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.

5

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

17

Inside this issue:

6

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.

7

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!

8

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

9

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

10

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.)

11

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.

12

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?

13

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!

14

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.

15

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.

Louise.Wooten3@gmail.com 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.

16

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

17

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