From the President…
Bill Harris

 

Whew, another year has gone by in a flash, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of several WV chapter members, it’s been very successful! I don’t want to use this space to mention everyone that helped out by name this past year, you know who you are, and I want to personally thank you for all your efforts.

     There are several upcoming events that we should keep in mind and support whenever and wherever we can.  In brief, they include: the chapter election of officers (ballots due back to Jamey Darlington by Nov. 6); the upcoming WV  Conservation Partnership meeting and the WV-SWCS silent auction at the Charleston Town Center Marriott Hotel, Oct 27-29 (remember we need a few helpers, lots of good items for the silent auction, and bidders should bid   often and high); and lastly, the upcoming WV Chapter annual meeting scheduled for  noon on November 10, at Potomac State College of WVU, in Keyser, WV.

     As we approach a new year and the changing of the guard (so to speak), please give our incoming President, Sarah Fitzwater, all of your support, and if asked to serve on a committee, etc., say YES, or better yet volunteer to help your chapter in whatever capacity you are able. Things are happening with the WV chapter – consider being a part of the action!

     Finally, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president again this past year. Please don’t let this chapter and all we do be our little secret.   Tell a friend, invite a co-worker or someone from another supporting group or agency to be part of SWCS and the conservation of our soil, water, and related resources – we’ll make room. Let’s do something great together!

  SILENT AUCTION

The WV Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society is holding its annual silent auction during the Partnership Conference in Charleston October 27-29, 2009. The proceeds from the auction help the chapter sponsor $500 scholarships for students majoring in plant and soil sciences but students in other conservation-related disciplines are eligible. Previous winners have been students at Bluefield State College, Fairmont State College, Shepherd College, West Liberty State College, Glenville State College, and West Virginia University. They majored in agricultural education, animal science, biology, engineering, engineering technology, environmental protection, geography, soil science, resource management and wildlife management.

Due to the success of our auction last year, were able to provide three scholarships this year. If you are willing to donate an item for the auction, please bring it with you the Partnership meeting. Jennifer Skaggs and I will be accepting the items on Tuesday, October 27 at the registration table or you can bring them to the silent auction room when it opens.  If you cannot attend the meeting and want to donate, please contact an executive council member (Bill Harris, Sara Fitzwater,   Katie Fitzsimmons, or Jamey Darlington) or your area representative (Barbara Greenleaf, Gary Redden, or Steve Ritz) to make arrangements to get the item to the conference.

Spring Technical Workshop

     In an effort to provide technical training to natural resource management professionals the WV Chapter of the Soil & Water Conservation Society in partnership with the West Virginia University Cooperative Extension Service held an irrigation management and crop related issues training at the Brookdale Farm in Ft. Ashby, WV, Mineral County, on May 12, 2009.

About 35 attendees enjoyed concurrent presentations on irrigation management, cover crops, carbon management and climate change, site selection based on soil science, and sustainable farming.  Also provided was a tour of the Brookdale dairy farm and greenhouses.  Attendees at the daylong workshop were able to interact with each presenter as they rotated in small groups through each presentation.

Annual Meeting and Fall Workshop

The WV Chapter of the Soil & Water Conservation Society will sponsor a training meeting to be held at Potomac State College in Keyser, WV, on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, with registration starting at 8:30 am.

     Speakers from several state agencies and the University of Kentucky will cover topics of wildlife habitat management, forage management, endangered species in West , forestry practices, and West Virginia cultural resources.Virginia

     There is no charge for this meeting and attendance is open to the public.  Lunch is available at the Potomac State College cafeteria and the cost will be each attendee’s responsibility.  Reservations are required to determine the number of parking permits and for a lunch count.

For more information contact Steve Ritz; telephone 304-822-3020 ext. 101 or Steve.Ritz@wv.usda.gov.