A Year in Review
2021-2022 Annual Report
The Wake Soil and Water Conservation District works tirelessly in the interests of the nearly 800 farms and over 84,000 acres of farmland in our county by providing technical assistance, implementing conservation management plans and water quality improvement practices, and enhancing wildlife habitat.
Conservation Planning
During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, Wake Soil and Water Conservation staff, along with USDA-NRCS staff, delivered excellent customer service to Wake County's farm community by writing conservation plans on 12,456 acres, implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on 1,147 acres and distributing over $212,831 in financial assistance funds to protect water quality and improve soil health. The Natural Resource Conservationists assisted farmers and landowners by visiting 319 farm tracts, writing 41 contracts for financial assistance, and encumbering $619,410 in state and federal cost share funds.
Agricultural Leadership
The Wake County Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) Program had 15 new applications approved by the Agricultural Advisory Board, increasing the program by 842.88 acres. There are currently 10,693.73 acres enrolled in this farmland preservation program.
The District staff provided representation and leadership by attending or serving on the Wake County Water Partnership, Capital Area Food Network, Wake County Farm Bureau, WakeNature Preserves Partnership, Land Protection Committee, Conservation Strategies Committee, Piedmont Conservation Council, Soil and Water Conservation Society Hugh Hammond Bennett Chapter and many others.
Staff continue to serve on local, state, and national boards, bringing attention to Wake County as a destination to showcase and model conservation projects or events.
Environmental Education
Wake Soil and Water Conservation provided hands-on learning and educator training to students and teachers of North Carolina’s largest school system. A total of 11 Envirothon teams from six Wake County middle and high schools registered for the 2022 Area 4 Envirothon. Five out of the 11 teams swept the Top 7 scores, earning the privilege to advance to the NC Envirothon. Within a field of 41 high school teams from across the state, Wake County teams placed 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th. Wake County placed 1st amongst middle school teams. In addition, the district hosted our annual conservation poster contest, with the theme, "Soil and Water - Yours For Life." 200 students from 12 elementary schools across the county participated, submitting some very impressive and creative posters.
Wake County Big Sweep
Wake County Big Sweep had its first full year since COVID-19. Volunteers conducted 38 cleanup events this fiscal year, covering 975 acres in Wake County. A total of 1,173 volunteers contributed roughly 3,065 hours of labor time. Volunteers picked up an amazing 39,831 lbs of trash, of which roughly 13,705 lbs were able to be diverted from the landfill and recycled. For comparison, this year compared to FY18-19 had a 65.95% increase in total pounds removed.
Grant Funding
Wake Soil and Water Conservation District partnered with Piedmont Conservation Council and Kriss Brass Engineering to restore 335 linear feet of stream on urban tributary to Black Creek. The goal of the project was to move the stream channel safely away from jeopardized infrastructure by building a new, meandering channel that is re-connected to a historic floodplain.
In May 2022, the stream grading, structure installation, stream stabilization and first phase of planting were conducted. The project was just completed this winter when they added the remaining plantings, including live stakes and trees.
Moving Forward - Farmland Preservation
The new Wake County Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance, passed in June 2022, provided updates to the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program, added the new Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD) program, and added a new Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. The EVAD program builds on the existing VAD program by enrolling landowners in a 10-year agreement on their deed to keep land in agricultural production. Wake SWCD intends to work closely with program partners to deliver both of these conservation options to interested landowners in the coming months.
Wake SWCD Annual Awards
2022 Wake SWCD Annual Awards
The Wake SWCD annual awards have been a staple in the county for over 50 years. The focus of these awards is to recognize individuals who have stood out as conservation leaders over the course of the year. Read on to learn about this year's winners their amazing contributions. We will also post an awards video to our website in January, in which we ask the winners what drives them to be such outstanding protectors and stewards of our natural resources.
Farm Family of the Year
This year’s farm family award is being presented to a fourth-generation family that has been farming in Wake County for 89 years. The land deed traces back to 1933! Jordan Family Farms has worked extremely hard over the last several years to implement conservation practices that protect and conserve the natural resources on their farm.
Over the years, James has worked to expand the family farm to more than 200 acres. Currently, Jordan Family Farms is raising around 50 head of Angus beef cattle in southeastern Wake County. They have installed a complete stream protection system that includes the installation of a water well and pump, 6 livestock watering tanks with heavy use areas, over 1,500 linear feet of buried water pipeline, a culvert stream crossing and 4,800 linear feet of livestock exclusion fencing. Jordan Family Farms also implements a well-managed prescribed grazing system and other conservation practices such as pasture renovation and multi species cover crops in their pastures to improve soil health, increase water infiltration, and protect water quality.
In addition to farming, James Jordan serves as a Street Superintendent for the Town of Fuquay-Varina. He has worked as a public servant for over 16 years. James' dedication to the stewardship and protection of farmland will provide endless benefits of water quality improvements to the citizens of Wake County and he serves as a great example for others to follow.
Farmland Preservation Award
The first ever Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District Farmland Preservation Award goes to Patrick H. Johnson for his bold leadership and strong commitment to farmland preservation in Wake County. Patrick served as an appointed Wake SWCD Board Supervisor for 10 years and has served as the Chairman for the Wake County Agricultural Advisory Board for over 10 years. Patrick began working with the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) in 2017 to secure funding for a permanent agricultural conservation easement on his farm. In September 2022, TLC secured and 86-acre agricultural conservation easement on Patrick's farm in Wake County. Patrick currently implements a rotational grazing system of sheep and cattle raised on the ranch that facilitates the regeneration of grasses. The easement additionally protects over a mile of perennial and intermittent streams that provide safe drinking water for current and future generations to come.
Big Sweep Outstanding Volunteer Award
The 2022 Outstanding Volunteer Award goes to Richard Arnold for exceptional volunteer service, dedication, and leadership with Wake County Big Sweep. Richard has been attending the Crabtree Creek Big Sweeps near Crabtree Valley Mall since 2016. This is a unique event that takes place on the water in kayaks and canoes disposing of trash found in the creek - tires, shopping carts, mattresses - you name it! When Art Ross stepped back from leading this popular event, Richard picked up where Art left off without hesitation. His enthusiasm and passion carried this event to the next generation of devoted conservationists. He always shows up with a smile and can-do attitude that is contagious. His hard work and commitment to both the community and water health is invaluable. Wake County Big Sweep is proud and honored to have him at the helm.
Big Sweep Outstanding New Volunteer Award
Margaret Vaughn and Jonny Gillette are the recipients of the Outstanding New Volunteer Award. It all began when they called up Big Sweep in the fall of 2021 to see if they could bring an event like the Crabtree Creek Big Sweep to their neighborhood. Over the course of a year, they secured sponsors to rent watercrafts, made many site visits to plan the logistics, and recruited neighbors to volunteer. Their brand new Big Sweep event resulted in the removal of 2,500 lbs of litter! Margaret and Jonny have gone above and beyond, showing outstanding initiative and leadership in volunteer service for Wake County Big Sweep.
BC Raynor Friend of the District Award
Finally, we recognize S&P Global for their outstanding support and advocacy for Wake SWCD with the B.C. Raynor Friend of the District Award. They conducted not one, but two Wake County Big Sweeps this year! The first was in partnership with Wake County Open Space on a future preserve removing decades of crumbling farm buildings, scrap metal, and even a baby doll head. We thought maybe after that they would have been scared off, but they came back again a few months later to conduct a litter cleanup by boat. Both sweeps accomplished the removal of almost 5,000 lbs of litter. Even more astonishing was their grant donation of $2,000 to Friends of Wake Soil and Water to support Big Sweep and the promotion of water quality health throughout the county.
2022-2023 Conservation Poster Contest
Over 900 Wake County fourth and fifth graders learned how covering the land with hard surfaces such as roads, buildings, sidewalks, and parking lots can create an urban water cycle where rain cannot soak into the soil and instead, becomes polluted stormwater runoff. The students’ best solutions were illustrated and entered into “Water: The Cycle of Life” poster contest sponsored by Wake Soil and Water Conservation District and Novozymes North America, Inc.
Students researched and spotlighted innovative best management practices (BMPs) designed to slow down stormwater runoff, spread it out, and soak it into the ground to be filtered clean and to recharge groundwater. These BMPs are used in towns and cities across America and across the world to better manage stormwater runoff and make it a valuable resource instead of a polluted waste product. Examples of popular stormwater BMPs include rain gardens, riparian buffers, stormwater wetlands, rain barrels, cisterns, green roofs, etc.
Although the students’ made this task very difficult, the Judges were able to reach consensus and select the Top 10. Posters with the best balance of well researched science and original artwork won 10 Wake County students top honors as well as a blue ribbon, certificate and public recognition.
The Top 3 Poster Winners received cash prizes of 1st place - $100, 2nd place - $50, and 3rd place - $25, made possible by Novozymes North America, Inc. The #1 overall 4th and 5th grade District posters will advance to the regional competition with 10 other counties in February 2023. Keep scrolling to see the winning posters below!
Top Ten Conservation Poster Contest Winners!
Honorable Mention
Top Three Conservation Poster Contest Winners!
From the Top 10, the Wake District Board of Supervisors selected the Top 3 posters. Cash awards were presented to the Top 3 students at their schools by Novozymes Engineer and poster judge Spencer Johnson, Wake County Schools Elementary Science Administrator Trevor Roberts, and Wake District Supervisor Scott Lassiter.
3rd Place Winner!
Eva Zboyovski - 5th grade - A.B. Combs Elementary
Eva Zboyovski from Cayla Green's 5th grade class at A.B. Combs Elementary was awarded 3rd place and a cash prize of $25.00.
With hand drawings and lift-the-flaps, Eva compares the natural and urban water cycles. The natural water cycle allows rain to soak into the soil so there’s less stormwater runoff; while the urban water cycle prevents rain infiltration into the ground so there’s more stormwater runoff that picks up and carries pollutants to waterways.
2nd Place Winner!
Medha Balaji - 5th grade - Green Hope Elementary
Medha Balaji from Suzanne D'Amico's 5th grade class at Green Hope Elementary was awarded 2nd place and a cash prize of $50.00. Medha's 1st place 5th grade poster will compete for additional prizes at the regional level with 10 other counties.
Medha’s creative artwork presents a town with two scenarios. The first shows the town without BMPs where rain runs off hard surfaces such as roofs, roads and pavement, entering nearby lakes and streams as polluted stormwater runoff. In contrast, the same town with BMPs uses plants to slow down stormwater runoff so it can soak into the soil where it’s filtered clean before it can contaminate drinking water and aquatic habitats.
1st Place Winner and Top 4th Grade Poster!
Atri Mandal - 4th grade - Poe Magnet Elementary
Atri Mandal from Kristen Anderson's 4th grade class at Poe Magnet Elementary was awarded 1st place and a cash prize of $100.00. His class was so excited for him! Atri's 1st place 4th grade poster will go on to compete for additional prizes at the regional level with 10 other counties.
Atri’s stunning color-pencil drawing shows Mother Nature’s heart breaking when hard, impervious surfaces prevent rain from soaking into the ground, causing less infiltration and more stormwater runoff instead. Mother Nature’s heart is whole when stormwater best management practices (BMPs) are used such as permeable pavement that provides a firm surface for parked vehicles and pedestrians while allowing stormwater to soak into the soil instead of letting it flow into stormdrains and local waterways where it can cause flooding, soil erosion, and water contamination.
Thank you to all of the students who submitted posters! You produced some truly outstanding work!
Next year’s poster contest theme will be “The Living Soil” that will challenge 4th and 5th graders to learn about soil as a living ecosystem and ways everyone can build healthy soils. For more information, contact Wake District Environmental Educator Sheila Jones at 919-410-2676 or sbjones@wakegov.com.
The annual Conservation Poster Contest would not be possible without the generosity and support of Novozymes North America Inc.
Announcements
Careers in Conservation Scholarship Opportunity
The Careers in Conservation Scholarship Program's goal is to increase the number of qualified people committed to working in the field of natural resource management thereby supporting the mission of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Scholarship recipients will be students who are currently pursuing or have firm plans to pursue a college degree in natural resource management or other closely related fields. The Foundation’s scholarship program is funded by generous donations from the Bowman family.
The NC Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation is now accepting applications for the Fall/Spring 2023-2024 Careers in Conservation Scholarship Program.
The Foundation plans to award merit-based scholarships of $1,000 per student per school year, renewable in future years. Subsequent awards are contingent upon successful academic progression. Current CIC scholars are REQUIRED to submit a new application each year to be considered for another year of funding.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on February 1, 2023.
Three letters of recommendation, with one from your local Soil and Water Conservation District, are highly encouraged! That's us here at Wake SWCD, so send a requests for letters of recommendation to Sheila Jones at sbjones@wakegov.com.
Additional questions should be directed to Amanda Sand, Executive Director, by emailing scholarship@ncsoilwater.org. Transcripts should be mailed to NC Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation at: 1401 Sunset Drive, Suite 202, Greensboro, NC 27408-7200.
Streambank Repair Workshops
NC Cooperative Extension is hosting four streambank repair and live stake workshops this winter in Raleigh (3) and Knightdale (1). These are ½ day workshops from 9:00am – 12:00pm and will include hands-on repair of a streambank led by NCSU experts. All of these workshops will be free of charge.
Jan 13 - Sylvester St., Raleigh
Jan 21 - Knightdale (Wake SWCD will be there. Come join us!)
Feb 10 - Hadley Rd., Raleigh
Feb 24 - Oak Park Rd, Raleigh
Who should attend and why?
Do you have a stream or stormwater conveyance on your property? Have you witnessed the stream channel widen over the years or large chunks of soil being lost (i.e. erosion) after heavy rain events? Due to living in an urbanized area that’s constantly growing, less water is soaking into the ground and more stormwater is flowing across hardened surfaces (pavement, roofs, etc.) and directly into our streams. Increased stormwater volume means increased velocity within the stream. This additional stormwater runoff causes streambanks to erode. Erosion from streambanks is the largest source of sediment and a big part of pollution in NC's urbanized areas. While sediment is a natural part of the environment, too much of it in one place can pollute our streams, lakes, and rivers.
What can you do to help?
Make vegetation your friend! Often, we don't realize that by simply removing vegetation or keeping an area only in grass next to the creek we actually contribute to erosion, increase the likelihood for flood damage, and decrease the available habitat for wildlife. The goal is to add and/or enhance vegetation along the stream bank so you have more roots to hold the soil in place. Most urban lawns have Fescue turf or Hybrid Bermuda grass which have very short root structures (Figure 2). If grass is being maintained to the stream edge, it offers little to no root structure to hold soil in place and prevent erosion. In comparison, native grasses and shrubs have much larger root systems and do a better job of absorbing water and holding soil in place.
Benefits of adding vegetation along streambanks:
- Improves bank stability and reduces erosion, saving property from washing.
- Adds aesthetic value to property.
- Costs less to maintain than turf - no need for mowing, watering, and fertilizing.
- Slows surface stormwater flow.
- Intercepts pollution - fertilizer, pesticides, heavy metals, etc.
- Allows sediment to settle out before clouding up a waterway.
- Provides habitat for many types of wildlife (butterflies, hummingbirds, frogs, dragonflies).
There are multiple options for adding native vegetation and managing streambanks. One of those options involves installing native livestakes along the water’s edge. Livestakes are live cuttings from specific native trees and shrubs that will take root along the bank and help stabilize the soil which helps prevent further erosion. You can purchase livestakes from local, native plant nurseries or you can forage cuttings yourself. If you are interested in stabilizing a stream on your property with livestakes, now is the best time! Livestakes need to be installed during the dormant, winter season. In the piedmont, that’s typically December through February.
To learn more about how to install livestakes and what type of materials are needed, you can watch this quick Streambank Repair Video.
2023 Keeping the Farm Workshop
Join us for the 18th annual Keeping the Farm Workshop on March 22nd, 2023. Keeping the Farm has been a staple of the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District calendar for years. The annual event is a great opportunity for Wake County farm and forest landowners to learn more about topics related to their concerns and interests for protecting and preserving their family farms. The goal of the workshop is to educate farm and forest landowners on stewardship and preservation, covering topics such as taxes, estate planning, conservation practices and more. Ensure your farm and forest land stays in the family for generations to come!
This year we will return to an in-person format, while also providing a live-stream option. Presentation recordings and slides will be shared on the Wake SWCD website following the event.
More information about Keeping the Farm 2023 will be coming your way soon!
Mark Your Calendars!
Meetings and Closures:
December 23rd, 26th, & 27th - Christmas, Office Closed
January 2nd, 2023 - New Year's Day (observed), Office Closed
January 16th, 2023 - Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Office Closed
January 18th, 2023 - Wake SWCD Board Meeting
February 1st, 2023- Deadline to apply for Careers in Conservation Scholarship Program
February 8th, 2023 - Wake SWCD Board Meeting
March 8th, 2023 - Wake SWCD Board Meeting
March 22nd, 2023 - Keeping the Farm Workshop
Staff Updates
Wake Soil and Water Welcomes a New Conservation Specialist!
Hi everyone! My name is Winifred Dorer and I joined the Wake SWCD as a Conservation Specialist on November 16th, 2022. I grew up in Apex, NC and graduated from the NC State College of Natural Resources. Go Pack! When I'm not working with the wonderful people in our office, I enjoy hiking, reading, and playing the saxophone. I look forward to working with Wake County farmers and residents to promote our agricultural identity and preserve our natural resources.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from the Wake SWCD Staff!
This year staff really got into the spirit of the season and wrapped our office in holiday décor.
If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to email us at swcd@wakegov.com or call 919-250-1051.
Credits:
Created with images by Sunshine Seeds - "Early Morning Sunrise in rural South Africa" • piyaphunjun - "file folder and Stack of business report paper file in a work office, concept document in work office" • stone36 - "Group of the golden trophies in sparkling light on the dark background." • david_franklin - "School supplies with blank art book" • martinfredy - "Old metal rain water barrel. watering the garden. Water saving. Water supply for dry summer. Rainwater drainage." • Narong Niemhom - "Colorful watercolor drops in the water with white flowers" • mnirat - "hat graduation and money coins saving for concept investment education and scholarship" • Stillfx - "Spring water" • Liudmyla - "Red alarm clock and christmas composition on the blue background.Top view.Copy space." • Li Ding - "Winter holiday decorations" • Pixel-Shot - "Beautiful decorated Christmas tree with glowing garland, blurred view"