Concerning Conservation Wake Soil and Water Conservation District ~ Winter 2024

A Year in Review

2023-2024 Annual Report

The Wake Soil and Water Conservation District works tirelessly in the interests of the nearly 664 farms and over 62,323 acres of farmland in our county by providing technical assistance, implementing conservation management plans and water quality improvement practices, and enhancing wildlife habitat. In addition, Wake Soil and Water Conservation District strives to protect Wake County’s natural resources with financial assistance, farmland preservation, environmental education, and watershed protection programs. The 2023-2024 Annual Report summarizes the District’s achievements and progress toward its conservation objectives.

Highlights

• Wake SWCD’s Natural Resource Conservationists, in partnership with USDA-NRCS staff, implemented Best Management Practices on 2,103 acres and distributed $305,827 in financial assistance.
• The Wake County Cost of Community Services Study was completed, illustrating the value of agricultural land to the county’s budget.
• Wake County Big Sweep added a fleet of 22 boats and an enclosed trailer thanks to our ongoing partners, Heidelberg Materials.
• 1,589 students and adults were engaged in the District’s Environmental Education Programs.
• 1,968 acres were enrolled in the Farmland Preservation Program, including 2 Permanent Conservation Easements.

2024 Wake SWCD Annual Awards

For 59 years, the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District has celebrated the achievements of the exceptional people protecting our county’s soil, water, farms, wildlife habitat and environment. From maintaining a family farm for more than a century to creating impactful environmental posters, the winners of the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual awards have gone above and beyond to protect our natural resources and land.

To learn more about the award winners, watch this video and check out their profiles below.

Farm Family of the Year

The 2024 Farm Family of the Year Award goes to Barham Family Farms. The Barham family has farmed in Wake County over multiple generations. Bennie Barham and his son Blake manage over 2,000 acres of farmland in both Wake and Franklin counties growing soybeans, tobacco, wheat, canola, cucumbers and more. Over the years, Wake Soil and Water has assisted Barham Family Farms on multiple projects including installing cover crops annually, countless acres of field borders, diversions and grassed waterways. The time, effort and commitment that Barham Family Farms have put into implementing conservation practices on their farm is incredible. Their dedication to the stewardship and protection of farmland will provide endless water quality benefits to the residents of Wake County.

B.C. Raynor Friend of the District Award

The B.C. Raynor Friend of the District Award honors individuals, the business community, and other conservation organizations for their remarkable contributions to the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District programs. This year’s award goes to Julie Hall, a longtime friend and advocate of the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District. Julie Hall is a passionate Environmental Educator who believes environmental education creates innovative learning experiences and engages young people in the world around them in meaningful ways. She is a member of the Environmental Educators of NC organization and serves on the Wake Green Schools Partnership.

The Patrick H. Johnson Farmland Preservation Award

This year's Farmland Preservation Award is presented to Oaky Grove, which is owned and managed by Talmage and Carol Brown. The Brown family has voluntarily agreed to place their 117-acre farm into the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District’s Farmland Preservation Program, which will ensure that the land remains a farm forever. Oaky Grove is a member of the North Carolina Century Farm program and once comprised over 3,000 acres of land. In addition to the value of preserving the farm for its history and significance to the community, more than 99% of the farm's soils are considered prime farmland, holding statewide importance. The Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District was proud to partner with Triangle Land Conservancy to preserve Oaky Grove through the Farmland Preservation Program.

Farmland Preservation Outstanding Advocate Award

This year, Wake County is proud to honor Joanie Bowden with the Farmland Preservation Outstanding Advocate Award for her strong support and advocacy for the Wake County Voluntary Agricultural District Program. In 2024, the Wake County Voluntary Agricultural District program has seen record enrollment, adding over 60 farms, equating to more than 4,000 acres of newly enrolled farmland making its most successful year in the history of the program. A key to the success of the program is having other farmers advocate for its benefits. Joanie can attest to the value of the program, as her family’s bicentennial farm is enrolled in the VAD program, and she serves as the Vice-Chair of the Wake Agricultural Advisory Board, so she understands the rules and requirements.

Big Sweep Partner of the Year Award

This year, Wake County Big Sweep is honored to celebrate Heidelberg Materials as our Partner of the Year, recognizing their exceptional commitment and invaluable partnership over the past 13 years. Heidelberg has been a keystone in Wake County Big Sweep’s mission to preserve and enhance our waterways, consistently stepping up to support our initiatives with unmatched dedication. Their contributions go far beyond the norm. Heidelberg Materials has provided essential staff support, meals for volunteers and expertly facilitated logistics for cleanups, ensuring that every event runs smoothly. Most impressively, their recent donations—a custom caged trailer for equipment storage and transportation, along with six canoes, ten kayaks, paddles, life vests and trailer signage—highlight their deep commitment to the cause and significantly bolster Big Sweep’s operational capabilities. These enhancements empower us to perform independently and will sustain our initiatives for years to come. Heidelberg Material’s passion for environmental stewardship and community well-being is truly inspiring, making them an exceptional partner in every sense.

Big Sweep Outstanding Volunteer Award

Wake County Soil and Water is thrilled to honor Clay Reichle with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for his extraordinary dedication, initiative and leadership within the Wake County Big Sweep program since 2018. Clay has truly been a cornerstone of the watercraft sweeps, consistently going above and beyond in his efforts. Without hesitation, he leaps into action, always anticipating needs and coordinating logistics with remarkable foresight. Whether he’s setting up, organizing meals or getting his hands dirty in the creek, Clay embodies the spirit of service. This year, Clay played a pivotal role in realizing our biggest aspiration: the generous donation of boats and a trailer from Heidelberg Materials. He was instrumental in initiating this project, diligently researching equipment options, and managing communications to turn this vision into reality. His tenacity and positive, can-do attitude inspire everyone around him. We are immensely grateful for volunteers like Clay, whose dedication, alongside that of all our volunteers, creates lasting change in our community and we are proud to celebrate his exceptional contributions.

Poster Contest Winners

This year’s Wetlands are Wonderful Annual Conservation Poster Contest was a success, with many students from Wake County Elementary Schools taking part and showing off their artistic skills and knowledge of the environment. In the 5th grade category, Asher Deepak from Green Hope Elementary won 1st place. In the 4th grade category, Deetya Parimi from Highcroft Drive Elementary took 1st place, and in the 3rd grade category, Ashleigh Wuchter from Adams Elementary earned 1st place. The winning posters will now be sent to the regional competition, where the students will have a chance to win more prizes and recognition for their great work in raising awareness about conservation.

Supervisors take Oath of Office

Thomas Dean and Reese Wamsley were sworn into office as Wake Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors on December 2, 2024, at the Wake County Board of Commissioner’s meeting. They will each serve a 4-year term, December 2024 - December 2028. Supervisor Dean was reappointed for his 5th term and Supervisor Wamsley was elected for his first term.

Staff Updates

Goodbye to Mikayla Renn & Caleb Lippard

Wake SWCD said farewell to two of our Natural Resource Conservationists, Mikayla Renn and Caleb Lippard. Mikayla and Caleb worked at the District for 4.75 years and 4 years, respectively. They both grew professionally during their careers here, earning Job Approval Authority in many practices and leading their own projects. As they move on to the next season in their lives, we wish them the best of luck and will miss them greatly!

Welcome Conor!

Wake SWCD welcomed a new Natural Resource Conservationist to the team – Conor McKearney! Conor earned a degree in Environmental Science with a focus in Restoration Ecology from NC State University. He previously worked for The Trust for Tomorrow environmental non-profit and brings extensive experience in wetland and stream restorations, surveying, and GIS. Conor is an avid runner and enjoys spending time with his animals, including chickens and dog Charlie.

Conor.mckearney@wake.gov or 919-250-1061

Wishing you a very Happy Holidays from the Wake Soil & Water Conservation District!

Meetings and Closures:

December 24-26 - Winter Holidays (Office Closed)

January 1 - New Year's Day (Office Closed)

January 5-7 - NCASWCD Annual Meeting

January 8 – Wake SWCD Board Meeting