Catawba County News
Catawba County 101
Published: September 05, 2024
MAKING. LIVING. BETTER: Catawba Soil & Water Conservation District
What is its mission/purpose?
The Catawba Soil & Water Conservation District mission is to protect/improve soil and water quality on our agricultural lands. Increase educational awareness of the importance of protecting our soil and water quality.
How do you achieve your mission – what services are offered?
The Catawba Soil & Water Conservation District works with our State (NC Division of Soil & Water) and Federal (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service) partners in implementing voluntary cost share programs to improve soil/water quality on agricultural lands. The District offers educational programs promoting the protection of our soil and water quality.
Who does this department/service area/program serve?
We serve all citizens of the County, but most of our programs are focused on the agricultural landowners. We have free soil sample test kits available to all landowners who are looking to improve their soil quality.
How and where are services delivered?
We are located at 1175 South Brady Avenue (the old Catawba Hospital) on the 3rd floor.
How many staff members are involved in delivering services?
The Soil & Water Conservation District is governed by the Soil & Water Board. Which consists of 5 supervisors, 2 appointed and 3 elected. We have 2 full-time employees and 1-part time employee. We also house 2 NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) employees.
How does our community and/or organization benefit from these services?
If a farmer is having an erosion/water issue on their farm, they can contact our office and we will come out and see if any of our programs can be of assistance. We also do educational programs about how to improve/protect soil and water quality. We do these programs at our local schools and libraries.
Please share anything unique or interesting about this program you would want people to know.
Each year we have two 5th Grade Environmental Awareness Field Days at Southside Park where students learn about Forestry, Water Cycle, Wildlife, Air Quality, Food Webs, Recycling and Pollinators. Additional programs include the Envirothon and Resource Conservation Workshop.