Ted Hughes of Oglethorpe County and Sonny Turner of Walton County Re-Elected to GACD Board

August 18, 2021:  At their virtual meeting on August 18, members of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) re-elected Ted Hughes of Oglethorpe County as GACD Group 2 Vice-President, and Sonny Turner of Walton County as GACD Group 2 Alternate Vice- President. They will serve two year terms.

Pictured: Ted Hughes, GACD Group 2 Vice- President and Sonny Turner, GACD Group 2 Alternate Vice- President

Ted and Patsy Hughes own and operate Chantilly Farms, a small beef cattle operation located in Smithonia, Oglethorpe County. Chantilly Farm is the center of life for the Hughes; farming is their life and lifestyle. Mr. Hughes and his wife participate in USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service programs to conserve the soil and water resources on their farm. Over the years, they have implemented practices such as heavy use areas, installation of watering systems, nutrient and pest management, critical area planting, riparian buffers and upland wildlife management. In addition, they have been practicing rotational grazing since 1970. These practices serve to address the soil condition and erosion, and water quality issues on the farm. He has served as a District Supervisor for the Broad River Soil and Water Conservation District since 2019.

Sonny Turner up in Greene County, helping his parents on their family dairy farm. As a young man, he became interested in resource conservation after attending Georgia’s second ever Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) during high school. After teaching Agriculture Education for three years at Monroe Area High School, Sonny continued his involvement in local agriculture as a 4-H volunteer and President of the FFA Alumni Association. A deep love of the land led him and his brother to rehabilitating their family farm that now produces hay and forestry products. Retired from Walton EMC, Sonny works hard to interest youth in natural resources by spearheading scholarship efforts as well as annual sponsorship of students to the NRCW that inspired him so many years ago. He has served as a District Supervisor for the Walton County Conservation District since 2010. 

Group 2 Vice-Presidents serve on the Board of Directors for GACD in representation of the 14 Soil and Water Conservation Districts spanning 42 counties across Northeast Georgia.

The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, please visit us online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.

John Redding of Walton County Recognized as Past President of NACD

July 25, 2021, Chicago, Illinois-- John Redding of Walton County joined Past Presidents of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) in celebration of NACD’s 75th anniversary in Chicago, Illinois. John is the only Georgian to serve as President of the organization since its founding in 1946.

The 75th Anniversary Celebration was hosted at the Hancock Center, and featured remarks from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, as well as a historical presentation from Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) Historian Joe Otto.

Pictured L to R: Tim Palmer (Iowa), Brent Van Dyke (NM), Earl Garber (LA), Michael Crowder (WA), Lee McDaniel (Maryland), Steve Robinson (OH), John Redding (GA), Gary Mast (OH), Rudy Rice (IL), Gerald Vap (NE), Bill Wilson (OK), Gerald Diggerness (WA)

John Redding’s involvement with NACD and natural resources conservation began through his service with the Walton County Conservation District where he served as Chair for 31 years. John has served NACD in many capacities including representing the State of Georgia as a board member, committee chair, regional chair, executive board member, and treasurer.  He served as President of NACD from 2008-2009.  As President, he was an advocate for the conservation of the nation’s natural resources through testimony to the US House and Senate Agriculture Committees.  John was also selected by US Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack to serve as a panelist at the National Rural Summit and by President George W. Bush to participate in the Collaborative Conservation event in Washington, DC.

John owns a 500-acre farm in southwest Georgia where he implements soil and water conservation practices in the production of cotton, peanuts and timber. He currently serves as a representative of the Walton County Conservation District, Board Member Emeritus for the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), and Treasurer for the National Conservation Foundation.  He resides in Monroe and is married to the former Levon Wilkerson, father to Cynthia (Tom Walker) and Carly, and proud grandfather to Lucy.

Mark Masters, president of GACD, congratulated John on this recognition noting, “Mr. Redding is a true ambassador of conservation and we are thankful and proud that he is a member of our GACD family.”

 The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, please visit us online at www.gacd.us.

Local Students Awarded with $6,500 Scholarships at 2021 Natural Resources Conservation Workshop

Tifton, GA, July 2, 2021:  Every year, Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Georgia sponsor high school students to attend the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) held at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, GA. The 5-day Workshop allows students to take part in lectures and hands-on activities to boost their knowledge of Georgia’s vital natural resources. It also provides them with a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into careers in agriculture and natural resources through their advisors and instructors. Twenty-four scholarships were awarded at this year’s event.

The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) and Soil and Water Conservation Districts throughout Georgia partnered to provide two $6,500 scholarships to the overall highest scoring individuals at camp. These scholarships can be used at any accredited college in the state of Georgia.

The recipients of the 2021 Georgia Conservation District Scholarships are:

Luca Antinozzi, 12th grade, Chamblee Charter High School, Dekalb County

Pictured: Michelle Boone- NRCW Director, Luca Antonizzi- 2021 Georgia Conservation District Scholarship recipient, Katie Sponberger- GACD Executive Director

Mallory Martin, 11th grade, Villa Rica High School, Carroll County

Pictured: Michelle Boone- NRCW Director, Mallory Martin- 2021 Georgia Conservation District Scholarship recipient, Katie Sponberger- GACD Executive Director

Be sure to check out Luca and Mallory's videos where they discuss their college and career plans and their experiences at the 2021 NRCW!

Thank you to all of Georgia's Conservation Districts for your continued support of NRCW and contributing towards the 2021 Georgia Conservation District Scholarships!

The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop, please visit us online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.

GACD and GSWCC Celebrate Conservation Education; Affirm Spirit of Cooperation

The Board of Directors from the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) and Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) celebrated the opportunity to meet jointly in conjunction with the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop held last week in Tifton, GA. Against the backdrop of high-schoolers from all across Georgia learning about our state’s natural resources, Board members had the opportunity learn from each other about ongoing organizational efforts to improve the conservation and management of those very same resources.

“It’s been far too long since our members have been able to sit down in the same room to talk, learn and fellowship,” said Bob Martin, Chair of GSWCC. “We plan to make similar joint meetings a regular occurrence and look forward to building on these initial conversations.”

Board members and staff from GSWCC and GACD also took time to discuss and assign specific action items necessary to meet the near-term needs of Conservation Districts around the state as well as develop a set of foundational elements that may be used in establishing a more formal partnership agreement in the future.

“Each organization has a role to play in supporting Districts and promoting conservation around our state,” said Mark Masters, President of GACD. “Establishing a clear framework that allows each of us to make the most of our limited resources is in the best interest of our members, the state, external partners and, importantly, the natural resources we’re engaged to protect and conserve.”

Throughout the day, Board members were also able to hear updates from organizers and participants with the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop. Sponsored in part by GACD and in partnership with GSWCC and a host of other state and federal entities, the Workshop is celebrating its 60th year of educating high school students on the value, protection, and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, mining, soil and water resources. Hosted by Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, the Workshop provides students with a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into conservation careers through their counselors and instructors.

“It was encouraging to hear how engaged the students have been in this year’s class,” said Tabatha Wooten, Vice President of GACD. “The Workshop is a good reminder of what can be accomplished through organizational cooperation and partnership.”

For more information on the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop or other GACD sponsored programs and activities, visit https://www.gacd.us/ or contact us using the information below. Visit https://gaswcc.georgia.gov/ for information on GSWCC or reach out using contact information also provided below.

For more information:
Georgia Association of Conservation Districts
(833) 411-4223
info@gacd.us

Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission
(706) 552-4470
gaswcc.swcd@ga.gov

Pictured left to right: Jake Ford, GACD Secretary (Berrien County); Bob Martin, GSWCC Chair (Irwin County); Kerry Van Moore, GSWCC (Coffee County); Tabatha Wooten, GACD Vice President (Jeff Davis County); Vikki Consiglio GSWCC/GACD Treasurer (Henry County); Brian Ponder, GACD (Tift County); Woody Snell, GACD (Cobb County); Mark Masters, GACD President (Terrell County); John Redding, GACD (Walton County). Not pictured but participating remotely: Jerry Holcomb, GACD (Liberty County); Jason Winters, GSWCC (Chattooga County); Edwin Nix, GSWCC (White County).

GACD and GSWCC Board members and staff with the 2021 Natural Resource Conservation Workshop participants.

GACD SIGNS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) is excited to announce a new multi-year cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Over the last four years, GACD has played a pivotal role in promoting and delivering conservation information and practices across the state through our Conservation District membership. Under the new agreement set to begin July 1, GACD will remain in a strong position to provide Districts administrative and technical support, develop and distribute conservation education and training material and, most importantly, work with our partners to develop a unified voice for locally-led, voluntary conservation across the state.

“Our mission at NRCS is to deliver conservation solutions,” noted Terrance O. Rudolph, state conservationist for NRCS in Georgia. “By partnering with GACD and the diversity of District supervisors they represent, our Agency’s ability to address the variety of conservation needs across Georgia is greatly enhanced.”

“The team at GACD looks forward to strengthening our relationship with NRCS, the Georgia Soil and Water Commission and other partners around the state,” said Mark Masters, president of GACD. “The resources made available as part of this new agreement will serve to amplify our conservation message to agricultural producers, policy-makers and the general public.”

The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, please visit us online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.

Congratulations to our Spring STEM Challenge winners!

☆ 3rd Grade: Ms. Jennifer Carroll's QUEST class at Roopville Elementary School, Carroll County

☆ 4th Grade: Ms. Nona Dasher's class at Trinity Christian School - Dublin, Laurens County

☆ 5th Grade: Ms. Stephanie Atkinsons's class at Dallas Elementary School, Paulding County

What is the STEM Challenge you ask? The Challenge is a program brought to you by the Georgia Ag Experience, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau's Ag-in-the-Classroom in partnership with the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD). It was developed to help expose elementary teachers and students to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) involved in agricultural production of food and fiber. The Challenge helps students recognize their role in agriculture by exposing them to real-world problems that they can help solve. The Spring Challenge was focused on soil health.

How is the challenge structured? A bi-annual competition focusing on a real-world ag problem. Elementary classrooms (grades 3 - 5) across Georgia put their skills to the test as they compete to win. Each school receives a digital kit of resources and a tailored educational program for their students. The top 3 classrooms with the best solution can win a prize and be recognized for their effort!

If you are an Elementary School teacher that is interested in having your class participate in the Fall 2021 STEM Challenge, please let us know...it's going to be TREE-mendous!

THAD RUSH OF FLOYD COUNTY HONORED FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO COOSA RIVER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Davis Nelson (left), Chair of Coosa River Conservation District, with Thad Rush(right)

Thaddeus “Thad” Rush of Floyd County was recently honored for his 50 years of service as a District Supervisor for the Coosa River Soil and Water Conservation District. He was presented a plaque and service pin by the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts at the District meeting held in Calhoun on April 27.

Mr. Rush is a graduate of Model High School and attended North Georgia College. He is a veteran of the United States Army. Upon completing his military service, he had one desire and that was to farm. He currently has a poultry operation and a registered angus herd in Rome, GA. He was appointed as a Supervisor representing Floyd County on the Coosa River Soil and Water Conservation District in 1971.

Thad believes in the importance of soil and water conservation on his farm and has worked with the USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Rome to plan and develop conservation practices that help protect and conserve natural resources. Practices include building stack houses and energy upgrades to his poultry farm, and integrating herbaceous weed control, cross fencing for rotational grazing and heavy use areas on his cattle operation.

“GACD congratulates Mr. Rush on this outstanding achievement and thanks him for his half-century of service as a conservation leader and ambassador,” said Mark Masters, President of GACD. “His conservation story is inspiring and certainly worthy of this honor and recognition.”

Mr. Rush is a previous board member for Floyd County Farm Bureau and also served on the Rome- Floyd Planning Commission. Thad and his wife Nancy reside in Rome and have three children and eight grandchildren. He is a member of Rush Chapel United Methodist Church.

The Coosa River Soil and Water Conservation District is a unit of state government that manages and directs natural resource management programs in Bartow, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Paulding, Polk, and Walker Counties. The District works with farmers, landowners, homeowners, and with other governmental entities to educate and actively promote programs and practices that support the conservation, and use and development of soil, water, and related resources. More information can be found at www.gacd.us/coosariver .

DISTRICT SUPERVISORS APPOINTED CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR OF GEORGIA SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION BOARD

ORIGINALLY POSTED BY OUR PARTNERS AT GEORGIA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION, APRIL 15—-Mitch Attaway, Executive Director of the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC), is pleased to announce that at their March 17 virtual meeting, the Board of Commissioners of GSWCC voted unanimously to appoint Bob Martin Chair of the Board and Vikki Consiglio Vice-Chair of the Board.

Bob Martin is an agribusiness man and self-employed farmer in Irwin County. He serves on the Local Farm Service Agency Committee for the Ben Hill-Irwin office and is a District Supervisor for the Middle South Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District.

Vikki Townsend Consiglio has served as the Executive Director of the Georgia Utility Contractors Association for twenty-four years. She has over thirty years of foundation and corporate board experience serving on a multitude of construction industry, civic, and religious boards. In 2012, she was elected to serve as a District Supervisor for the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District. She also serves as the Treasurer of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts.

Martin has served on the Board since 2015 and Consiglio has served since 2020.

The Board of Commissioners of GSWCC is appointed by the Governor of the State of Georgia. The Board governs the conservation of soil and water resources and activities in the State. More information can be found at www.gaswcc.georgia.gov .

Bob Marin, Chair, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission

Vikki Consiglio, Vice- Chair, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission

GEORGIA AGENCIES PARTNER TO HOST FERAL SWINE EDUCATION EVENTS

Feral swine have become increasingly detrimental in Georgia, causing significant damage to agricultural crops and natural resources throughout the state. The economic impact of damage caused by feral swine in Georgia is estimated at $150 million. A group of agricultural and natural resource organizations are partnering to bring Georgia’s top experts on feral swine together in a series of educational workshops for farmers and landowners. The partnering agencies will host two separate workshops and trapping demonstration opportunities on the following date:

May 20 at the Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center in Midville, GA

•    Morning Workshop at 8:45 am- 12:00 pm

•    Afternoon Workshop at 1:45 pm- 5:00 pm

Topics will include disease issues, swine biology, economics, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, and regulations to be followed by a question and answer panel of experts. Each workshop will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration.

Partnering agencies for this effort include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Wildlife Services, Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Agriculture, and University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources.

There is no cost to attend the workshops, but space is limited. Pre-registration is required. COVID precautions will be followed. Additional workshop opportunities will be announced soon. More details and registration information is available at www.GACD.us/events.

2021 Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) Registration OPEN!

Available to Georgia’s Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. This workshop focuses on the value, protection, and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil, and water resources, including conservation in Georgia’s mining industry. The workshop provides students with a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into careers through their counselors and instructors.

• Dates of NRCW are June 27-July 2, 2021

• Camp takes place at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, GA

• Students scoring well on the workshop exam may be awarded a college scholarship. A limited number of scholarships are awarded based on exam scores and specific scholarship guidelines and criteria. GACD in partnership with Georgia's Conservation Districts, will be awarding two $6,500 scholarships to the top scoring students at camp.

• Camp features field trips, classroom instruction, and recreational activities.

Due to COVID restrictions, Workshop attendance this year is reduced to 80 students.

Registration is completely online at www.abac.edu/nrcw . No paper applications are being accepted.  Registration fees and transportation options are provided by local Conservation Districts.

If you have any questions regarding the  Workshop or registration procedure, please contact Michelle Boone, GACD Program Manager and NRCW Director, at michelle@gacd.us or 478-298-3087.