From the State Conservationist - Dr. William Puckett

1 www.al.nrcs.usda.govCurrent Developments

From the State Conservationist - Dr. William PuckettWhat’s Inside:

Pages 2-3• Jones Holds Luncheon•NRCS Holds Forestry Retreat• StateOfficeEmployeeMeeting• LegislativeReception• SnellsWinSmallFarmerAward

Pages 4-5 • GeorgeWashingtonCarverExhibit• BlountCo.SoilTunnel• LandJudgingContest• DACs“ReadAcrossAmerica”• CullmanCo.DistributesColor

Books• OutreachWorkshopinGeneva

Pages 6-7•BrightParticipatesinTour•OrganicConservationActivityPlan•Recycling-AWayofLife•WalkerCo.ParticipatesinFestival

Pages 8-9•DeKalbCo.FarmerInstalls

ConservationPractices•HoopHouseinMadisonCo.•MartinLutherKing,Jr.Day•ClassroominthePark•SheepandGoatForum•CypressCoveFarmDay

Pages 10-11•2ndGenerationFarm•AWalkintheForest•OutdoorClassroom/SchoolHabitat•PuckettVisitsClayCo.•EarthDayinMadisonCo.•EarthTeamDigPlantation

Pages 12-13•EarthTeamVolunteersHonored•VolunteersAssistwithFestival•ShoalsEarthDayFest•AnnualTri-StateFarmer’sForum•CareerFairatTuskegeeUniv.•TuskegeeUniv.FarmConference

Pages 14-15•SoilSectionassistsMuseum•StudentsPrepareMarketingPlan•RC&D-Randolph/ClayCos.•NRCSParticipatesinSunbeltExpo•USDA’sHelpRequestedforCenter•Forestry Natural Resources

Committee•SecretaryofAgVisitsTuskegee•RaisedBedSchoolGarden•NRCSAgencyHeadVisitsAL

Pages 16-17 - OutreachMeetings•Randolph/ClayCos.•Cottage House•Eufaula•UnionSprings•Personnel•InSympathy

Page 18•DACAnnualWorkshop•AnnualPosterContest•LeeCountyHoldsWaterFestival

Earth Team Volunteers Honored

ThethemeforAprilNationalVolunteerWeekwas“EarthTeamVolunteersaretheKeyFoundationofConservation.”NRCScelebratedtheweekbythankingandhonoringEarthTeam(ET)Volunteersfortheirservicetoconservation.TheETistheagency’sofficialvolunteerresource.

NationallyinFY2010,nearly30,000peopledonated641,549hoursofservicetoNRCS,worth$13.4million.NRCSStateConservationistDr.WilliamPuckettsaidthatlastyear3,768EarthTeamvolunteersinAlabamadonated34,783hoursofservice.“That’sworth$725,225ofbenefitinAlabamatoourcustomers,”saidDr.Puckett.“Theseareimpressivenumbersandwearegratefulforthehelp,butmuchmoreconservationworkneedstobedone.”ThankyouAlabamaEarthTeamVolunteers!(AdditionalETstoriesonpage11.)

Evergreen Garden Club, an ET Volunteer group, plants a tree in recognition of Arbor Week.

Garrett Stephens, Montgomery Co. ET Volunteer at an archeological dig at a farm called Riverview Plantation, a working farm that has prehistoric and historic archaeological sites including small mounds and standing structures.


State Office News

John Stivers discusses the brood field management, one of 761 fields managed for quail.

Forestry retreat attendees stand in front of the Sehoy Plantation general store built in 1870.

NRCS Holds Forestry Training RetreatBy Tim Albritton, State Staff Forester, NRCS, Auburn, AL

ForestryrelatedpersonnelattendedaforestrytrainingretreatattheEnon&SehoyPlantationsinBullockCo.ThisisoneofAlabama’suniqueforestryvenues.Theretreatexaminedcurrentprograms,guides,standards,andwaystopromoteforestrytothepublic.Theretreathelpedimprovecommunicationsandprovidedanoppor-tunitytoobserveuniqueforestmanagementpractices.

Beforethetechnicalsession,everyonesharedaninter-estingforestryexperience.Thiscreatedalotoflaughterandhelpedtheattendeestogettoknoweachother.

Inadditiontothesessions,thegrouptouredsomeoftheforestmanagementpracticesatEnon&Sehoy.Oneoftheirmajorobjectivesisimprovingquailhabitat.Thisisaccomplishedbyprovidingadequatebroodfieldsand

hardcoverhabitatthatisusedforfeedingandprotectivecover.

Someotherpointsofinterestonthetourincludedlongleafpinerestoration,prescribedburning,hardwoodcoverplantingalongfeedlines,andRedCockadedWoodpeckerclusternestingtrees.

Thistraining,heldinanenvironmentconducivetolearningandinastress-freeatmosphere,createdadesirableandsuccessfulexperience.TheplannersandattendeesextendtheirappreciationtoNRCSleadershipfortheirendorsementandtoJohnStiversandthefolksatEnon&SehoyPlantationsforhostingtheevent.

Jones Holds Relay-For-Life Luncheon NRCSretireeDelorisJonesdropsbythestateofficefairlyoftenformanygoodreasons.InApril2011,shedroppedbyforagoodcauseandsomethinggoodtotheemployees.ShesponsoredherannualAmericanCancerSociety“Relay-For-Life”luncheon.Shebroughtherspecialchickensaladandpimentoandcheesesandwiches.Fordesert,shehadmadeherfamoushome-madebananapuddingandotherdelights.Employeeswereinvitedtodonatewhattheywantedforunlimitedvisitstohertableofgoodies.Theamountcollectedwas$1,077.WaytogoNRCSers!

ThisyearDelorisdedicatedtheluncheontoco-workerSusanDillard,ITSpecialist,wholostherlifetocanceronJanuary3,2011.Themainevent,theOpelikaRelay-for-Life,wasMay2011attheSouthernUnionStateCollegetrackinOpelika,AL.AcandlewaslitinmemoryofSusanandotherswhohavelosttheirlivestocancer.


State Office Employees MeetingBy Jillian Stephens, NRCS Communications Specialist, Auburn, AL

Knowingwhattodoandwheretogoduringacrisisisessentialtomaintainingsafetyandsemi-normalagencyoperations.InMay2011,NRCSstateofficeemployeeslearnedmoreabouttheContinuityofOperationsPlan,orCOOP.

ThisplanhasalreadybeentestedtosomedegreebythedevastatingtornadoeventsinnorthAlabama,employeeswerebriefedbyAssistantStateConser-vationist-OperationsZonaBeatyonterminology,thepurposeandeffectivenessofphonetrees,andwhattodoandexpectduringacrisis.

AfterCOOPtraining,TeresaPaglioneandCharlesLove,stateofficerepresentativestotheAlabamaNRCSCivilRightsAdvisoryCommittee,presentedseveralvideoscenariosfrom“AllintheFamily”and“TheOffice”toencouragediscussionamongthegroupaboutracialandclassdiscriminationintheworkplace.

Later,HumanResourcesOfficerMartyBright-RiveriaandStateAdministrativeOfficerHeatherAbeytadiscussedupcomingchangeswiththeauditand,asaresult,jobvacancies.

Afterthetraining,thestaffenjoyedapotlucklunch.Themeetingandthefoodwasagreatsuccess.

Legislative ReceptionAlabamastatelegislatorstookafewmomentsfromtheirbusyschedulestorelaxattheAnnualLegis-lativeReceptionhostedbytheAlabamaAssociationofConservationDistricts(AACD)inMontgomery,AL.ThereceptionwasApril2011attheRSAActivityCenter.ConservationleadersfromaroundthestatemetwithelectedofficialstodiscussagriculturalissuesaffectingruralAlabama.

Thisyear’sreceptiondrewGovernorRobertBentleyaswellasnumerousstaterepresentativesandsenators.“Thiseventwasachancetothankourlegislatorsandgovernorfortheirsupportinthepast,aswellastoexpressourconcernsforthefuture,”saidAACDPresidentDr.CarolKnight.“Conservationisanongoingprocess,onethatwecannotaffordtoneglect.”

(l-r) AACD 1st Vice-President Lisa Pritchett, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, and AACD President Dr. Carol Knight.

Snells Win NRCS Small Farmer AwardInMay2011,EarlandCharisseSnellofDaleCo.werehonoredastheAlabamaNRCSSmallFarmersoftheYearduringtheOutreach/YouthDayinSkipperville,AL.Theywereselectedfortheirenvironmentalstewardship,innovations,andcommunityleadership. AstheAlabamaNRCS2011SmallFarmersoftheYear,theSnellswillrepresentthestateinthenationalcompe-tition. “TheSnellsarepioneersinthefield,”saidNRCSStateConservationistDr.WilliamPuckett,“theywerethefirstfarmersinDaleCo.toconstructaseasonalhightunnelandtheyhavebeeninstrumentalinadoptingandpromotingthisnewtechnologyinthearea.”

(l-r) Earl and Charisse Snell accept a clock with an engraved plaque from NRCS State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett honoring them as the Alabama NRCS 2011 Small Farmers of the Year.

Conservationdistrictsarelocalunitsofgovernmentestablishedunderstatelawtocarryoutnaturalresourcemanagementprogramsatthelocallevel.DistrictsworkwithmillionsofcooperatinglandownersandoperatorstohelpthemmanageandprotectlandandwaterresourcesonprivatelandsandmanypubliclandsintheU.S.

Zona Beaty talked about COOP training and the upcoming exercises.


State Land Judging ContestBy April Jones, NRCS DC, Montgomery, AL

TheStateLandJudgingcontestwasheldinMarchinMontgomeryCo.atthefarmofLaslieHall.TheeventwashostedbytheMontgomeryCo.SWCD/NRCS.

George Washington Carver Exhibit By Amy Bell, Coordinator, Gulf Coast RC&D

TheMuseumofMobilehasbeenbusythisspring.TheGeorgeWashingtonCarverexhibitattractedthousandsofvisitorsexploringtheextraordinaryscientistandconservationist.

Carverhadafasci-natinglifestoryandanunquenchablethirstforknowledge.HeovercametremendousoddstobecomeoneofAmerica’smostversatilescientists.

GulfCoastRC&D,partneringwiththeAlabamaCooperativeExtensionSystem(ACES),awardedtheMuseumofMobileagranttoputsomeofCarver’s methodsandapproachestogardeningintoaction.ThegardenwasbuiltinsidehistoricFt.Conde,nexttotheMuseumofMobile.Aftertheexhibitends,thecommunitygardenwillbelocatedoutsideoftheFt.Condewalls.The15th Place HomelessShelterparticipantswillplant,tend,andharvestthegardentoprovidefoodforthehomelessshelter.Gardeningprovidestheparticipantsathera-peuticactivitytomotivateandgenerateconfidence.

Carverwasahumanitarianwhoseprimarygoalwas,asheputit,“tohelpthefarmerandfillthepoorman’semptydinnerpail.”AstheexhibitonhislifeendsattheMuseumofMobile,histeachingsandpracticeswillcontinueintheheartofdowntownMobile.

“Our Own Destiny Communal Garden” gives 4th-5th graders a hands-on experience with planting, tending, and harvesting an organic garden.

Pam Mason, NRCS DC, presents award to high scorer. Clay Co. won first place.

Students enjoyed crawling through the Soil Tunnel using a flashlight to see what is living in the Earth under their feet.

From The Field

The Blount County Soil Tunnel Is BusyBy Mark Butler, Watershed Coordinator, Blount Co., AL

BlountCo.SWCDemployeesPollyMorrisandMarkButlersetuptheSoilTunnelintheenvironmentalsectionattheBlountCo.CoveredBridgeFestival.ThesectionincludedboothsfromMasterGardeners,FriendsoftheLocustFork,solarovens,andsolarpowertorunsmallappliances.

Mostwereamazedbywhattheywereabletoseeinthetunnel.TheSoilTunnelwasbuiltsopeople,youngorold,couldgetanideaofwhatisundertheirfeetandhoweverythinghasitspurposeintheenvironment.Someaskedquestionsandwereansweredtoencourageconservationofournaturalresourcesforfuturegenera-tions. Thefollowingweek,theSWCDemployeestooktheSoilTunneltotheMulti-NeedsSchoolHarvestFestivalinCleveland,AL.Over70studentscrawledthroughtheSoilTunnel’sdarkcavernexploringwhatlivesundertheirfeet.

Thestaffenjoyedspendingtimewiththesespecialstudents.Itishopedthattheywillretainsomethingaboutsoilandwaterconservation.


NRCS DC Murray Griffin presented the church’s Director of Hispanic Minis-tries, Yenny Laney, with coloring books.

(l-r) Soil Con Adam Sconyers and DC Alex Vaughan from NRCS in Geneva Co., and James Currington, Wiregrass RC&D Coordi-nator, explain program opportunities to meeting participants.

(l-r) KarenHayesandKathyWalkervisitschooltoreadtostudentsandhelpschooladministratorsbecomeawareofSWCS/NRCSinthecounty.

DACs “Read Across America”By Kathy Walker, SWCS DAC, Madison Co., AL

DACsKathyWalker(MadisonCo.)andKarenHayes(MarshallCo.)participatedin“ReadAcrossAmerica”inMarchinhonorofDr.Seuss’sBirthday.Theybothhad a lot of fun!

Kathyhasparticipatedinthisannualeventformanyyearsandenjoysitasmuchasthestudents.Sheisexcitedaboutgettingthestudentsinvolved.Shemadea“CatONtheHat.”Allofthestudentswantedtoholdorwearthehat.

Kathyread“OhthePlacesYou’llGo”andKarenread“OhTheThinksYouCanThink.”Thestudentswerepaintedwithwhiskersandcutepinknosesandsomeworebigredbowties.

BothKathyandKarenagreethatthisisgreatwaytogetinvolvedwiththelocalschoolsandtohaveschooladministratorsgettoknowtheSWCDpersonnel.

Cullman County NRCS Distributes Hispanic Coloring Books

TohelpthelocalHispanicpopulationspeakEnglish,theCullmanCo.NRCSfurnishedCullmanFirstUnitedMethodistChurch’sHispanicMinistrieswithcoloringbooks.

Thecoloringbooks,entitledTennesseeTom’sBigAdventure,areprintedinEnglishandSpanish.Thebookstelloftheturtle’s,TennTom,travelstotheTennesseeRiverandthepollutionhefindsthere.

Atthecloseofthestory,TennTomasksthereaderstomakeadifferenceandnotpolluteourenvironment.

AlongwithhelpingreaderslearnEnglish,thecoloringbooksalsohelpyoungreaderslearnabouttheenvironmentandwhattheycandotohelpprotectit.

AlabamaMountains,RiversandValleys(AMRV)RC&DdevelopedthetwocoloringbookstohelppeoplespeakingSpanishintheirtransitionandtoencourageconservationofournaturalresources.

Outreach Workshop in GenevaBy Janie B. Howell, SWCD DAC, Geneva Co., AL

Morethan50GenevaCo.farmersandlandownersgatheredattheGenevaCo.FarmCenterinJanuarytohearinformationonnewandexistingprogramsandopportunitiesavailablefromNRCS,ACES,GenevaCo.SWCD,andWiregrassRC&D.LimitedResource,SociallyDisadvantaged,andNewandBeginningFarmeropportunitieswerepresentedfollowedbyaquestionandanswersession.Financialassistanceprograms,alongwithloaninformation,waspartoftheagenda.Handoutswereavailableforeveryone.


NRCS DC Steve Yelverton and ASTC-FO-East Richard Collier discuss rotational grazing, pipelines, and troughs with Covington Co. farmer Joe Holmes, Congressman Bobby Bright, and Covington Co. SWCD Supervisors Wayne Reynolds, Bobby Jackson, Bill Godwin, and Mike Birge.

Gary Slaten built his seasonal high tunnel, hoop house, in part with funds from the NRCS EQIP Organic Initiative.

Congressman Bobby Bright Participates in Covington County Field TourBy Patricia Gable, SWCD Ed Specialist, Covington Co., AL

CongressmanBobbyBrightcametoCovingtonCo.tolearnhowSWCD/NRCSassistscountyfarmersandlandowners.Hewasveryinterestedandcameinboots,preparedforawalking,hands-ontour.

ThetourbeganattheLurleenB.WallaceOppCampus.NRCSDCSteveYelvertongaveanoverviewoffinancialassistanceavailabletofarmersandlandowners,includingthespecialprojectsthathavebroughtfundsintothecounty(dirtroadrestoration,civicfacilityneeds,etc.)BrightthentraveledwithcountySWCDsuper-visorsandNRCSemployeestovariousprojectsitesinthe county.

Thegroupreviewedabio-retentionstructure,anerosion/drainageproject,apoultryfarm,theNEYellowRiverWatershedSiteP11repairedwithFederalStimulusFunds,arotationalgrazingsystemonacattlefarm,andEmergencyWatershedProtection(EWP).andWildlifeHabitatIncentivesProgram(WHIP)sites.

Brightvieweddrystacks,apoultryfarm,nutrientmanagementsystems,rotationalgrazingsystems,andconservationtillage.HelearnedthatEWPhasprovidedover$669,500torepair40sitesinthecountywithinthelast5years.TheEnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)andWHIPhasbroughtinover $1millioninassistancetolocalunitsofgovernment.

ThetourendedwithlunchattheFarmServiceCenterwereDistrictSupervisorsandNRCSemployeesreviewedanddiscussedquestionsorissuesregardingtheagriculturalneedswithinthecounty.

ThedayprovidedproofthatSWCD/NRCSprogramsandfundsreallymakeadifferencefortheindividuallandowner,thecommunity,thecounty,andourstate.

Organic Conservation Activity Plan Brings to Life an Organic IdeaBy Travis Badger, SWCD Technician, Morgan Co., AL

GarySlatenofHartselle,AL,hadagreatorganicidea,allowedNRCStoassisthim,andbroughthisideatolife.

WhenSlatendecidedtogroworganicvegetables,hedidsomeresearch.Likeotherfarmers,heboughtmaterialsanddidtheworkhimselftobuildahoophouse.HethenfoundouttherewereprogramsspeciallydevelopedbyNRCSthatwouldhelphimbuildalargerandmoreadvancedhoophousewithbetterproductionoforganicvegetables,andwouldhelphimpayforit.

TheNRCSstaffencouragedSlatentoattendedorganicproductionandmarketingtraining.Therehelearnedthatpricesofvegetablesvariedindifferentlocationsduetosupplyanddemand.Hefoundthatproductionoforganicvegetableswouldnotonlybefinanciallybeneficialtohim,butwouldhelpthecommunitybysupplyinganeconomicalchoicefororganicvegetables.Slatenalsofoundoutotheradvantagesofhoophouseslikehavingbettercontrolofthegrowingenvironmentandthathecouldgrowhisplantsyearround.

Buyingtheplantswasthenextstep.Hediscoveredthatpricesoforganicplantsareconsiderablymoreexpensivethannon-organic.Hecommentedthatoneorganictomatoplantcancostabout$3whereasnon-organiccostabout6for$3.Slatendecidedtogrowplantsfromseedseventhoughheknewitwouldcreatemorechallengesduetothenochemicalapplicationregulationthatgivesorganicvegetablestheiruniquequality.

Slatenpreparedforhisorganicfarmingventureandislookingforwardtothebenefitsitwillbringtohisfamilyandthecommunity.HethanksNRCSfortheirassis-tanceinthesuccessofhisoperation.NRCSisproudtohaveSlatenasoneoftheirfirstfarmerstosignupwiththeOrganicConservationActivityPlanundertheEQIPprogram.


The stream crossing was one of the first practices that helped Santiago realize that NRCS knew what they were doing. He said he did not think it would work. After approving the project, he was amazed at how well it worked, how it improved the water quality of the stream, and how it has held up over time.

(l-r) NRCS DC Daniel Goins and SWCD DAC Katherine Patton demonstrate a cotton gin that was borrowed from the Cullman Co. SWCD. The cotton gin demonstration was a perfect fit for the theme of The Heritage Festival which began in the 1980s.

Walker County Participates In Jasper Heritage Festival By Katherine Patton, SWCD DAC, Walker Co., AL

TheWalkerCo.SWCD/NRCSparticipatedintheJasperHeritageFestival.Theorganizerswantedtoholdaneventthathadthesamefocustowardthecommunityanditshistoryastheolderheritagefestivals.

TheeventincludedperformancesbytheWalkerHighSchoolDramaTeamportrayingcommunityfiguresofthepast.AlocaleducatoralsodisplayedhistoricphotographsofJasperandtoldstoriesaboutthepeopleandplacesinthem.ThesestoriesrangedfromthesettlementofthecommunitytoFranklinDelanoRoosevelt’svisittothecityduringCongressmanWilliamBankhead’sfuneral.OrganizersfeelthatitisimperativeforcommunitieslikeJaspertosafeguardtheirhistory.Peopleneedcommunityrootsonwhichtobuildtheirhistory. Theeventalsoallowedmanynon-profitorganizationsandchurchestohostactivitiessuchasfacepainting,aninflatableslide,andartsandcraftsbooths.TheHeritageFestivalgavelocalorganizationsthechancetopromotethemselveswithinthecommunity.It’sagoldenoppor-tunityfornon-profitstosharetheirstoryandmissionwiththegeneralpublic. ThecityofJasperhasalottobeproudofandwewanttorecognizethewonderfulareaandpeople.It’sveryimportantthatSWCD/NRCSparticipatesintheseeventsandotherlikethemsowecanhelpinformthecommunityaboutsoilandwaterconservationandtomeetcustomerswemaynotseeinothersituations.

Recycling—A Way of LifeBy Travis Badger, SWCD Technician, Morgan Co., AL

AccordingtoSantiagoLimaofHartselle,AL,“It’snothowmuchyougot,buthowyouuseit.”

SantiagogrewupinArgentinainanagriculturalfamily,buthisdreamwastostartafarmintheUSA.Heimmigratedin1998,andbegantolookforland.In2004,hefound25acresinHartselle.

Hisdreamwascomingtrue,buthehadtomakethisfarmproductivewithlittlemoney.Hebegantofarmabout17acresusingtheideaof“Wastenot—Wantnot.”Hebecamearecyclingexampleforotherstofollow.

Herecyclesrainwaterbyinstallingraincatchersonallstructuresonhisfarm.Heuseddiscardedadver-tisementandpoliticalsignsastemporarypatchesonstructures.Whenawindstormblewdowntreesonhisproperty,hehadthemsawedintolumbertoputsidingonhisbuildings.Hefoundusesforjunklyingaroundonthepropertyandsalvagedwhathecouldtobuildotherstructuresandequipment.Eventuallyheturnedhissmallplotintoaproductivefarmofcattle,hogs,chickens,beehives,andfruittrees.

SantiagocreditsNRCSformuchofthenewtechnologyonhisfarm.HequalifiedfortheSociallyDisadvantagedprogramthathelpedhimtakeadvantageofeveryinchhisproperty.HeisgladfortheNRCSfinancialassis-tance,andthetechnicaladvice.

ConservationhasbecomeawayoflifeforSantiago.HeisanexampleofhowNRCScanbenefitfarmersandconservenaturalresources.Santiagostatesthathisultimategoalistoproducebio-fuelforhistractor.HeagreesthatifNRCShadapracticetohelpproducebio-fuel,hewouldbethefirsttosignup.


Roy Sanders (r) is pleased with the recently installed concrete watering troughs. To reduce potential messy conditions in wet weather in and around the troughs, he installed a heavy-use area. The watering troughs enable his cows to continually have clean, fresh drinking water. Sanders tells James Huber (l) DeKalb Co. SWCD technician, the more best management practices he installs on his farm, the more he regards himself as a good steward of the land.

DeKalb County Farmer Installs Conservation PracticesBy Cecil Gant, SM-LG Watershed, Rainsville, AL

RoySanderslivesonLookoutMountaininDeKalbCo.,AL.Heiscommittedtoimprovingthelandwithwhichhehasbeenentrusted.Heregardshimselfasagoodstewardoftheenvironment,andthepracticeshehasinstalled‘puthismoneywherehismouthis.’

Heestablished17acresofBermudagrassforhayandheisre-seedingmorethan23acresofFescue.Hehasstrategicallyplacedthreeconcretetroughsinhispasturestomakecleanwaterconvenientandaccessibleforhis50-headbeefcattleherd.Hehasalsofencedoutacreekandisaddingtwofarmpondstokeephiscattlefrompollutingthewaterandtoprotectthemfromgettingfootdiseasesfromwadinginthewater.

Thisconscientiousfarmerlearnedaboutconservationbyobservingotherfarmers’success.HecreditsBillyTwilley,aneighborandamemberoftheDeKalbCo.SWCD,withbeinghisrolemodelandencouraginghimtocontactNRCSandtoimplementconservationpractices.

“Iseeaconnectionbetweencaringfortheland—conservingitandkeepingitfunctional,andproductive—andourstandardofliving,”Sanderssaid.“Thelowpriceswepayforfoodresultsfromtheefficiencyofourfarmers,mostthatareenvironmentallyfriendly.

SanderssaysheappreciatesthehelpmadeavailablebythelocalNRCS.“FinancialassistancethroughsuchprogramsasEQIPhasallowedmetodomoreimprove-mentstothelandthanIcouldhavedoneonmyown,”hesaid.

Hoop House Installed in Madison CountyBy Joyce Lane, NRCS Soil Con, Madison Co., AL J.B.TurnerwasanAlabamaA&MUniversityprofessorfor32years.Hedidnotrealizejusthowhardhewouldhavetoworkafterretiring.Hekeeps-uphisRegisteredAngusherdandraisesfruitsandvegetablesforhiscustomersatthelocalfarmersmarket.

Turnerbegangrowingfruitsandvegetablesin1980.Inthebeginning,hispatronspickedtheirown;however,manydidnotlikethatoption.Turnerrealizedthathehadtouseanothermethodifhewasgoingtobesuccessful.Heneededtogrowmoreitemsformarketandheneededabetterwaytodoit.

HestartedthinkingabouttheadvantagesofaSeasonalHighTunnel,orhoophouse.HecontactedNRCS.Aftermanyworkshops,hoursofstudyingdifferentdesigns,andphonecallsandconversationswithmanufacturersofhoophouses,Turnerbuilthisfirsthouseinthefallof2010.

Turneranticipatesthathishoophousewillallowhimtostartproducingcropsearlierandcarryproductionlaterintheseasonthanwithtraditionalmethods.

Turnersaidthatthisstructurewilldefinitelyenhancehisbusiness.Heplantedturnipgreensinthefall.Heemphasizedthattomatoes,peppers,andsomestraw-berrieswillbethemaincropsgrowninthehoophouseduringspringandsummer.

Hesaidthatwhenextrahandsareneeded,Barbara,hiswife,gladlypitchesinsothingscontinuetorunsmoothly.Hereminiscedabouthisdaughterandchuckled.Hesaidthatgrowingup,sheenjoyedallaspectsoffarming,butnowthathehasretired,isbackintofarming,andneededherhelp,Jenniferhasgrownupandlefthome.Hesaidhesuredoesmisshavingheraround.

J.B. Turner and his hoop house.


Sheep and Goat Forum InMarchaforum wasconducted forGoatandSheepproducersattheLawrenceCo.AgCenterhostedbyACES,andsponsoredbyA+MarketingandAMRVRC&D.

KathyGotcher,NRCSDCinLawrenceCo.,informedproducersaboutNRCSprogramsavailabletogoatandsheepproducers.MikeRoden,AMRVRC&D,discussedgrantshewasworkingontobenefittheproducers.CharlieMeek,NorthwestALRC&D,announcedanon-farmresearchprojectthatistestingdifferenttypesandamountsoffeedsforsheep.

RobertSpencer,UrbanRegionalExtensionSpecialistforGoats,Sheep,andRabbits,discussedherdhealthandhowtoavoidproblem,marketing,feed/mineralsforthedifferentbreeds,andprosandconsofthedifferentbreedsofanimals.

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. DayInJanuary2011,theMarshallCo.SWCD,NRCS,andFSAemployeesgatheredforaluncheoninhonorofMartinLutherKing,Jr.

Themainfeaturewasa45-minutefilmentitled,“MightyTimes:TheChildren’sMarch”thattellsthestoryofhowyoungpeopleofBirmingham,AL,underthedirectionofMartinLutherKing,Jr.,bravedfirehosesandpolicedogsin1963,andbroughtsegre-gationtoitsknees.Itshowsthatchildrenofallageshavethepowertomakeadifferenceintheworld.

Thisdocumentary connected to all employeesand severalrecalledthe actualevents.

Service Center employees enjoyed the film and the luncheon as they celebrated the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Cypress Cove Farm Day By Beth Rhea, SWCD DAC, Franklin Co., AL

Soilscanbeaworkofart.ThatwaswhatschoolchildrenlearnedduringtheCypressCoveFarmDayinFranklinCo.inMay.“Withchildrenrangingfromkinder-gartenthroughfourthgradeweknewwehadtofindawaytoreachthemall,”saidPamSkidmore,NRCSSoilConTech.Differentsoiltypeswereincorporatedintothelessonplanforthefieldday.Groupsofstudentsweretaughtaboutuniquesoilsfacts,generalsoiluses,andtheusesofdifferentsoilsinoureverydaylife.Asampleofeachofthesoilscollectedwasplacedwherethestudentscouldusethemaspainttocreatetheirownworksofart.Thefielddaywasagreatsuccess.

At the field day, students learned about farm living, and, that with the right soils, you can create a art master-piece.

At the “Soil Run-off” station , David Stewart, Perry Co. Soil Con Tech, shows erosion from freshly tilled soil, mulched soil, and soil with a cover crop.

Classroom in the ParkBy Nelda McKinney, SWCD DAC, Perry Co., AL

PerryLakesParkwasthesiteforClassroomintheForestinPerryCo.InApril,5thgradersfromUniontown,AlbertTurner,Sr.ElementarySchools,andhighschoolstudentsfromFrancisMariongatheredinthePark.TheClassroomintheForestwashostedbytheAlabamaForestryCommission(AFC),PerryCo.SWCD,NRCS,andACES.

Atthe“FlagaTree”station,CedricHudson,AFC,talkedabouthealthyforestsandtrees.Heexplainedtheimpor-tanceofthinningandremovingdiseasedtrees.SuttonGibbs,NRCSDC,attheEnviroscapestation,explainedtheimportanceofcleanwaterandwaystopreventwaterpollution.BrigettaGiles,AFC,atthe“O’Deer”station,taughtthestudentsabouthealthyandcreatinghealthywildlifehabitats.JohnHoomes,ACES,attheSkinsandSkullsstation,showedstudentsmanyoftheskinsandskullsofanimals.


Farm Transferred to 2nd GenerationBy Andrew Williams, Agribusiness Management Specialist, NRCS Retired

KimberlyCosbyofPerryCo.isaneducatorattheelementaryschoolinUniontown.ShegraduatedfromFrancisMarionHighSchoolandholdsseveraladvanceddegrees.Shedecidedearlyinhercareerthatshewouldstayhomeandhelpherparentsmanagefamilybusinesses.

Oneofthebusinessesisacow-calfoperation.WhenthefarmwastransferredtoCosby,shecontactedAndrewWilliamsoftheWinstonCo.SelfHelpCooper-ative2501programfortechnicalassistance.Sheindicatedthatshewantedtocontinueoperatingthefarm,butwantedtoconvertittoforestryproductiontoincludewildlifehabitatmanagement.

AndrewdirectedhertotheSWCD/NRCSlocaloffice.ShereceivedfinancialassistanceundertheAlabamaAgriculturalConservationDevelopmentCost-ShareProgram(AACDCP).AforestryregenerationplanwasdevelopedbyAFCstaff.WilliamsprovidedtechnicalassistancethroughtheWinstonCo.SelfHelpCooper-ative2501programtocontrolburnareas,removeunwantedgrassandvegetation,removeunwantedseedtrees,andtohand-plant2ndgenerationloblollypines.

Ms.Cosby’sgoalistopreserveherfamilyheritageandpass itontofuturegenerations tohelp“SaveRuralAmerica.”

Kimberly Cosby planted 2nd generation loblolly pines for timber production.

Outdoor Classroom and School Habitat TheCarrollton Elementary Schoolreceived agranttoinstall anoutdoorclassroomandschoolyardhabitat.Theprojectinvolvedinstallingapond,raisedgardeningbeds,weatherstation,treenursery,birdhabitat,butterflygarden,gazebo,andpicnictables.Thespacewillbeusedtoteachstudentsaboutnaturalresourceconservation,biology,soils,weather/climate,recycling,composting,insects,aquatichabitat,forestryandagriculture.OtherlaborandfinancialdonationswerereceivedfromthePickensCo.Commission,PickensCo.BoardofEducation,PartnersinEducation(PIE)Foundation,Brown’sNursery,schoolteachers,andcommunityvolunteers.

Puckett Visits Clay CountyBy Craig B. Johnson, DC , Clay & Randolph Counties, AL

Dr.WilliamPuckettvisitedClayCo.andtouredLamarandFeliciaDewberry’sfarm,oneofthemostactiveforestryfarmsinthecounty.Dewberrytakesconser-vationtoheart,whichisevidentfromhiscareofthefarm.Hesaidconservationisapassionforhim.HisfarmhasbenefitedfromNRCSprogramssuchasEQIP,CSP,etc.

Dewberryappreciatedthevisit.HesharedhisadmirationforDr.Puckett’shands-onapproachatthefieldlevelandhiscommitmenttoAlabama’slandowners.

A Walk in the ForestAbout300first-gradestudentsrecentlyattendedafielddayhostedbytheMontgomeryChapteroftheSocietyofAmericanForesterscalled“AWalkintheForest.”

StudentsfromRedlandandWetumpkaElementarySchoolslearnedaboutmanyanimals,fish,theenvironment,andsoils-andhadfundoingit.

The students listen intently as NRCS Resource Soil Scientist Milton Tuck explained the soils ecosystem and the importance of soils.

(l-r) Dr. Puckett and Lamar and Felicia Dewberry


Earth Day in Madison CountyOnEarthDay2011,OwensCrossRoads,aPre-K-6BlueRibbonLighthouseElementarySchoolinMadisonCo.,celebratedEarthDayhighlightingtheOutdoorClassrooms(ODC).

Facultyandstudentsembraceda‘learnandserveproject,”tolearnaboutearthscience.Theclassroomlearningreachesbeyondtheschoolwallsandembracesoutdoorspaces.

KathyWalkerworkedwithstudentsonspecialprojectstimedtobereadyforEarthDay.Ahands-onactivity,Earthcaterpillars,engagedtheyoungerstudents.Theystuffedrichsoil,grassseed,andfertilizerintopantyhose,kinkedit,wateredandfertilizedit,andwhenthecaterpillarssproutgrasstheyappeartobefuzzy.Thefourthgradersworkedonanoutdooramphitheaterwithastageforoutdoorperfor-mances.Theyplantedcrepemyrtlestoprovideshadeforthespectators.

TheODCwascompletedusinggrantsandvolunteersfromtheschoolandcommunity.Itwillcontinuetogrow.Studentswilladdabog,afroglodge,andasongbirdandbutterflyhabitat.

(l) Davina Mann, ODC Coordinator, helps students release butterflies. The students studied the butterflies from cocoon stage to the butterfly release. To the student’s great joy, the butterflies lit on the beautifully colored flowers that the students had raised from seed and planted in the outdoor space.

Earth Team and Earth Day News

Earth Team Volunteers Dig Plantation

By Teresa Paglione, NRCS Cultural Resource Specialist, Auburn, AL

OverseveralweekendsinFebruary-April,EarthTeamVolunteerstestedtwoarcheologysitesinMontgomeryCo.atRiverviewPlantation,aworkingfarmwithhayfields,rowcrops,wetlands,andmaturehardwoods.VolunteersconsistedofarchaeologistsandstudentsfromTroyUniversity,AuburnUniversity,andAuburnUniversityatMontgomery;membersoftheAlabamaArchaeologicalSociety;GarrettStephens(sonofRoryStephens,NRCSSoilConTechinMontgomery),andGeorgeMartin,retiredNRCSsoilscientist.

TheRiverviewPlantationcontainsseveralprehistoricandhistoricarchaeologicalsitesaswellasstandinghistoric(19thcentury)structures.AportionofthefarmisenrolledintheUSDA-NRCSFarmandRanchlandPreservationProgram(FRPP).

LeeHarrison,aprofessionalarchaeologistwithPanamericanConsultants,usedgroundpenetratingradar(GPR)andafluxgradiometer(amagnetometer),todetermineiftherewereintactsubsurfacefeaturesononeknownsiteinahaylandpasture.

Atonesitelocatedinaplowedfield,shoveltestsindicatethesiteextendsanother100metersintoawoodedtract.Atanothersite,four1meterx2meter(3ftx6ft)unitswereexcavatedtothebottomoftheplowzone(topofundisturbedstrata)andrevealedpossiblestoragepitsandathin,2-inch(5cm)middenconsistingmostlyofriverineshellandanimalbone.Bothsitesdatetoabout1,000ADandareassociatedwiththeLateWoodlandperiodHopeHullphase.

Morefieldtripsareplannedtobothsitesthisspringandsummerastheinvestigationscontinuetodefinethesites’horizontallengthandwidthandtheirverticaldepthsacrossthelandscape.

Progress at these sites cannot be accomplished without our Earth Team Volunteers.


(l-r) Shirley Davis, Ray Whiddon, and Inez Whiddon are presented Earth Team Volunteer certificates by DC Shawn Manning for their assistance with education programs in Madison Co.

Earth Team Volunteers HonoredBy Kathy Walker, SWCD DAC, Madison Co., AL

EarthTeamVolunteersShirleyDavis,RayWhiddon,andInezWhiddonwerepresentedawardsby,thethenActingMadisonCo.NRCSDCShawnManning.MostrecentlythethreevolunteersspentthedayatSparkmanMiddleSchoolassistingKathyWalkerwithpresenta-tionsfor132seventhandeightgraders.Thestudentslearnedaboutprotectionofsoilandwaterthroughhands-onactivities.Thestudentswerealsotaskedwithcleaningupsomewastewaterfromvarioussites;learninghowwatertreatmentplantsworkandtheyevenexperimentedwithcleaningupanoilspillandlearnedabouttheroleofpolymersindroughtsituationsinothercountries.

ThestudentswillcontinuetoworkwiththeirteacherstousedifferentlessonplansfurnishedbytheHuntsvilleFieldOfficethroughoutthisunitofstudy.Weappreciateourvolunteers!

Earth Team Volunteers Bobby Boutwell (Escambia) (far left)and Danny Golson (Conecuh) (center) talk with other attendees at the Longleaf Restoration and Wildlife Field Day at Saloom Properties near Evergreen, AL.

Volunteers Assist with Water FestivalAt the Mobile Co. Water Festival, Penny Smith talks with students at the Filtration Station. Penny is a Master Gardner and a Junior Master Gardeners Leader.

Shoals Earth Day FestBy Etta Mask, SWCD DAC, Colbert Co., AL InApril2011,thestaffsofColbertandFlorenceCountiesSWCD/NRCStookpartintheShoalsEarthDayFestattheFlorence-LauderdaleColiseum.Thisfreeeventwasattendedbyover500,mostlychildren,TherewereEarth-friendlydisplays,MagicianSteveTrash,localmusic,andfreegifttoallthatattended.

Thiswasawonderfulwaytoreachouttochildren,teachers,andthosewhowanttotakecareofournatural resources.

Ruby Raindrop and Sammy Soil is in the center of attention at the Shoals Earth Day Fest.


Tuskegee University Farmers Conference InFebruary,TuskegeeUniversityhelditsannualFarmersConference.AlabamaUSDArepresentativesfromNRCS,RuralDevelopment(RD),andtheFarmServiceAgency(FSA)servedoninformationalpanels.

AlabamaNRCSpersonnelwereinvolvedinmeetingsattheKelloggCenter.StateofficestaffSteveMusser,ASTC-Programs;andJohnCurtis,ResourceConser-vationist;gavepresentationsonprogramsandfinancialassistanceavailablethroughNRCS.TeresaPaglione,NRCSCulturalResourceSpecialist;giveapresen-tationattheAgriculturalCareerOpportunitiesforYouthsession.

Annual Tri-State Farmer’s Forum Tri-StateFarmersForumhelditsannualworkshop.Conservationpartnersassistedcommunity-basedorganizationsduringtheworkshopinDothan,AL.

Outreach News from Alice Love

Tuskegee University Farmer’s Conference participants tour Seasonal High Tunnel (hoop-house) constructed through NRCS EQIP financial and technical assistance administrated by staff in Macon Co., AL.

(l-r front row) James Currington, Wiregrass RC&D Coordinator; Alice Love, Agricultural Outreach Liaison; Vickie Lane, Farm Service Agency Outreach Coordinator; Audrey Zeigler, Farm Management Specialist-Tuskegee University Extension; and Paul Waddy, Extension District Director. (l-r back row) Miles Robinson, Director, Alabama Small Farm and Rural Economic Development Center; and Willie Durr, Houston Co. Extension Coordinator.

(l-r) Dr. William Puckett, NRCS State Conser-vationist, visits with Earl Tarver, Alabama Council on Human Relations, during Tuskegee University Farmers Conference Field Tour.

Career Fair at Tuskegee UniversityAliceLovestaffedanexhibitattheNRCSCareerDisplayduringtheForestryNaturalResourcesCareerFairintheKelloggConferenceCenterinTuskegee,AL.InterestedstudentsreceivedinformationaboutNRCScareers.


State Soil Section Assists Carver MuseumMembersoftheMLRASoilSurvey(MO-15)officemetwithG.W.CarverMuseumofficialstodiscussadditionalkioskprogramsfortheCarverEnvironmentalLaboratory(CEL)locatedatTuskegeeUniversity.TheprojectisfundedthroughaCooperativeAgreementbetweenTuskegeeUniversityandtheSoilSurveyoffice.

(r-l) Charles Love, State Soil Scientist/MO-15; Walter Hill, Tuskegee University; Joe Norris, NRCS Carto Technician; and two Tuskegee University Computer Science students talk about exhibit additions.

Two touch screen kiosks in the Soils Exhibit at the CEL allow visitors to test their soils knowledge through touch screen games such as The Blackbelt Game and The Soil Profile Puzzle.

Students Prepare Marketing Plan

AlfonzoHooks,MaconCo.producer,workswithTuskegeeUniversitystudentsonademofarmforaclassmarketingproject.Studentswereassignedtodevelopamarketingpromotionalpackage.

NRCS Participates in Sunbelt ExpositionNRCSemployeesfromfourstatesparticipatedintheSunbeltExpoinMoultrie,GA.

Visitors examine an actual raised bed exhibit outside the tent at the Sunbelt Expo.

Youth examine a scale model raised bed display inside the tent at the Sunbelt Expo.

Students interview Al Hooks (in cap) to glean information used to create a marketing promotion for his farm.

RC&D and Randolph/Clay Counties GeneThornton,ofSneakCrowFarminRandolphCo.,AL,isaretiredComputerSpecialist.Heandhiswife,Rose,dedicatestheirtimepromotinghealthyeatingthroughgrowingandmarketingnaturallygrowvegetables.Theyaretheprimaryoperatorsofhisdeceasedgrandfather’s100acrefarmthatwasestab-lishedinthe1950s.Thefarmconsistsofwoodland,cropland,andpastureland.MeatgoatsarealsoapartoftheThornton’soperation.

TheThornton’sresearchedwaystoimprovetheirfarmingoperationandEddieMay,Coordinator,CoosaValleyRC&D;andNRCSDCCraigJohnsonweretheretoassistthem.ThroughEQIP,theThornton’saretransi-tioningtobecomingUSDAOrganicCertifiedandwerethefirstproducerstoconstructaSeasonalHighTunnel(hoop-house)inRandolphCo.,AL.

CoosaValleyRC&DCouncilhelpedtheThornton’stoinstallamicro-irrigationsystemontheirfarm.

(l-r) Elijah Moore (retired NRCS DC), producer Gene Thornton, and Eddie May, Coosa Valley RC&D.

TheThornton’sareexperimentingwith,andareinterestedinpromoting,theharvestofrainwaterforirrigation.Theycatchrainwaterfromashedrooftopina1,000gallon tank and use thewatertoirrigatecropsintheirhoophouse.


USDA’s Help Requested for CenterLouisMaxwell,ChairoftheMaconCo.Commission(l)meetswithUSDArepresentativestodiscusspotentialfundingassistancetocompletetheCommunityCenterlocatedintheoldChisholmSchoolinMaconCo.

Forestry Natural Resources CommitteeDr.WalterHillwelcomesmembersoftheForestry Natural Resources CommitteetoTuskegeeUniversity.Thecommitteemembersandadvisorsconsistsof current and retiredUSDAemployees,TuskegeeUniversityfacultyandstaff,andundergraduateandgraduatestudents.

Secretary of Agriculture Visits TuskegeeUSDASecretaryofAgricultureThomasVilsackandTuskegeeUniversityPresidentDr.GilbertL.RochonsignedaMemorandumofUnderstandingforaCenterofExcellencetobeconstructedonthecampusofTuskegeeUniversity.

Raised Bed School GardenBarbaraShipmanoftheCottageHouseisworkingwiththeBarbourCo.MiddleSchoolonagardenandbeati-ficationproject.Vegetablesaregrowninraisedbedsonthegroundsthataremaintainedbystudentsunder

thesupervisionofShipman.Vegetablesraisedinthegardenareconsumedattheschool.

NRCS Agency Head Visits AlabamaUSDA-NRCSChiefDavidWhitegiveapresentationattheFeder-ationofSouthernCooperativesAnnualConference/WorkshopinEpes,AL.

Barbara admires the work of the students and vegetables grown in raised beds at Barbour Co. Middle School.

Participants at the conference gained information about NRCS

programs and services at a display managed by Alice Love,

NRCS Ag Outreach Liaison.

Secretary Vilsack visited with USDA Scholars on campus-Forest Service, NRCS, and 1890 Scholars.

(top) Vilsack (below) Rochon


Morethan30OutreachMeetingshavebeenheldacrossthestatethisyearwithover15,000

brochuresandfactsheetsbeingdistributed.ThesemeetingsareinconjunctionwiththeAla-TomRC&DCooperativeAgreementwithALNRCStopromoteoutreachactivitiesinruralcommunities.Theprogramisdesignedtoreachmoreunderservedgroupsthroughoutthe state.

Randolph/Clay CountiesCraig Johnson, DC for Randolph/Clay Counties, informed participants of USDA programs and criteria for enrollment.

Cottage HouseBarbaraShipman,ExecutiveDirectoroftheCottageHouse,hostedanOutreachMeetingtoinformpartici-pantsabouttheprogramsandservicesofferedbyNRCSinAlabama.

James Currington, Wiregrass RC&D facilitated the outreach meeting.

Produced raised in Shipman‘s raised beds was enjoyed by participants at the meeting.

Union Springs, AL AnOutreachMeetingwasheldinUnionSprings.AgencyandpartnerparticipantsatthemeetingincludedGwenLewis,DCMacon/BullockCounties;BackPorchGardenersofMontgomery,AL;membersofSouthernRuralBlackWomen’sInitiative(SRBWI),andothers.

Mackie Cowart of Dynamic Women was the host for outreach meeting/

workshop. Dynamic Women is a sub-part of SRBWI.

Outreach Meetings By Alice Love

Seedlings for the demonstration were donated by Tuskegee University and Bonnie’s Plant Farm.

Victor Khan, Tuskegee University, gives participant’s planting tips for tomato plants. He demonstrated methods to plant tomato seedling (in a horizontal position instead of vertical, to maintain healthy stem and enhance roots).

Eufaula, ALDelores Peterson, Springhill Development & Improvement Organization (SDIO) Community Liaison. SDIO hosted an outreach meeting in the Springhill Community in Eufaula, AL.


Susan Dillard SusanLorraineDillard,60,OCIO-ITSGroupManagerinAuburn,AL,passedawayonJanuary3,2011,atBethanyHousefollowingalongbattlewithcancer.

MemorialsmaybesenttoBethanyHouse,1171GatewoodDriveBuilding100,Auburn,AL36830. Cardsmaybesenttoherhusband,BobbyJackDillard,477PersimmonStreet,Auburn,AL36830.

Pat (Elzora Perkins) O’Connell Ms.O’ConnellpassedawayinPrattvilleon January6,2011.ShewasAreaClerkinNRCS/SCSArea3inTuscaloosaformanyyearsuntilherretirement.Shewouldhavebeen91inApril.

MemorialcontributionsmaybemadetotheLymphomaResearchFoundation,AmericanLegionPost119,orHenryCo.VeteransMemorialPark.

Thomas Alexander Hughes, Jr. TomHughes,63,fromAlabaster,AL,passedawayonFebruary3,2011,inHouston,TX,atM.D.AndersonCancerCenter.HeretiredfromNRCSastheAssistantStateConservationist-FONorth.HewasalsoaretiredColonelfromtheArmyReserve.Tom’sbrother,William(Bill),retiredfromNRCS,butcontinuestoworkintheStateOfficeasapart-timeACESemployee.

CardscanbesenttoMrs.TomHughes,288SilverCreekPwky,Alabaster,AL35007,ortoBillHughes,2285SpringwoodDr.,Auburn,AL36830.

In Sympathy

AccessionsJoeCochran,SoilConsvst,Linden,ALAlexJohnson,SoilConsvst,AlexanderCity,ALJamesDawsom,SoilConTech,Autaugaville,ALKennethParham,SoilConsvst,Carrollton,AL

PromotionsJoshuaReed,SoilScientist,Jackson,ALKhaliaGiles,SoilCon.Tech,Tuskegee,ALLuisCruz-Arroya,SoilConsvst,BayMinette,ALJamesMason,SoilScientist,Montgomery,ALRitaJohnson,BudgetAnalysis,Auburn,ALBrandonMcCray,SoilConsvst,Florence,ALJoshuaTilley,SoilConsvst,Vernon,ALAdamSconyers,SoilConsvst,Auburn/Geneva,ALWilliamBodiford,SoilConTech,Monroeville,ALRonaldJosephKoptis,DistrictConsvst,BayMinette,ALDanielGoins,DistrictConsvst,Jasper,ALMatthewCopeland,DistrictConsvst,Fayette,ALRoryStephens,SoilConTech,Montgomery,ALAlexVaughan,DistrictConsvst,Geneva,ALSylviaLong,SoilScientist,Auburn,AL

ReassignmentsJeromeLanlinais,SoilScientist,Tuscaloosa,ALAdamSconyers,SoilConsvst,Auburn/Geneva,ALJoshuaHalpin,SoilScientist,Auburn,ALRobertBeaty,EasementCoordinator,Auburn,ALJoshElliott,DistrictConsvst,Ozark,ALJasonMason,ResourceSoilScientist,Montgomery,AL

ResignationsEvelynBostick,D.O.D,FortBenning,GA

RetireesLynnThomas,ContractingOfficer,Auburn,AL

Personnel

WelcomeNew State Office Employees

AmandaBaldano HumanResourcesAssistant

Alabama State Office Retiree

Nancy Regan HumanResourcesSpecialist

LynnThomas ContractingOfficer


Next Issue

Submissions for Current Developments, potential success stories, and news releases are welcomed, and appreciated anytime.

Contact Communications, Marketing, and Outreach (CMO) staff with questions or submissions by e-mail:

[email protected].

ALABAMADr. William PuckettStateConservationist

Julie YatesDirectorofCMO

Fay Garner

PublicAffairsSpecialist

Alice LoveAgriculturalOutreachLiaison

DAC Annual WorkshopBy Etta Mask, DAC SWCS, Colbert Co., ALTheALConservationDistrictEmployeesAssociationhelditsAnnualWorkshopinMay2011,inFlorence,AL.

BecauseofthetornadoesinApriltheladieswantedtodosomethingspecialforthevictims.Theyhelda“StuffedAnimalDrive”andcollectedover110stuffedanimalstodelivertothePhilCampbellDisasterDistributionCentertohelpcomfortneedychildren.Greatjobladies!

Annual Poster ContestBy Patricia Gable, SWCD Ed. Specialist, Covington Co., ALCovingtonCo,SWCDhelditsannualspringpostercontestfor450,3rdgradersfromsevencountyschools.SWCDEdSpecialistPatriciaGabledidaninstructionalclassroomlessonandprovidedposterboardandNACDstudentbookletsrelatingtothetheme“ForestsforPeople-MorethanYouCanImagine.”AcashawardandFirstPlaceribbonswereawardedineachclassroombySWCDDistrictSupervisorsandstaffjudges.

OnApril28,firstplaceclassroomwinnersandtheirfamilieswereinvitedtotheannualYouthEventheldatOakwoodLodge.About80peopleenjoyedahamburgerdinner,observedaprogrambythe3rdgradestudentsontreepartfunction,andlistenedtoareportfromsponsorsPleasantHomeandStraughnEnvirothonTeams.

TheprogramconcludedwithapresentationbySteveYelverton,NRCSDC,whodiscussedtheroleSWCD/NRCSplaysinassistinglandownersandcommunities.

Additionalcashawardsandribbonsweregiventothe1st,2nd,and3rdplacepostercontestwinners.Whenthefun,foodandfellowshipended,allthestudentsreceivedRealtreecookiesandconservationcoloringbooks.

Covington Co. SWCD Super-visors (l) Bill Godwin, and (r) Wayne Reynolds, award 3rd place ribbon to (l-r)Franklin Moose, 2nd place to Hunter Hudson, and 1st place to Emilio Monahan.

Lee County SWCS Holds Water FestivalByJillianStephens,CMO,NRCS,Auburn,AL

Morethan1,900fourthgradersattendedtheLeeCo.WaterFestival,sponsoredbytheLeeCo.SWCS/NRCS,andlocalbusinesseswheretheylearnedaboutthewatercycle,waterfiltration,andaquifersthroughhands-onactivitiesandascience-basedmagicshow.

Volunteerstaughtstudentswaysto“makeeverydropcount”throughmoresustainablepracticesandbydecreasingwaterusage.

LeeCountySchools4thgraderscompetedtohavetheirartworkonthefestivalT-shirtwhichallparticipantsandvolunteersworethedayoftheevent.

asBelow - Autumn Meredith shows winning T-shirt art.

Above: Students view water filtration as they pour dirty water over filter materials and it came out clean.

“TheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)prohibitsdiscriminationinallofitsprogramsandactivitiesonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,age,disability,andwhereapplicable,sex,maritalstatus,familialstatus,parentalstatus,religion,sexualorientation,politicalbeliefs,geneticinformation,reprisal,orbecauseallorpartofanindividual’sincomeisderivedfromanypublicassistanceprogram.(Notallprohibitedbasesapplytoallprograms.)Personswithdisabilitieswhorequirealternativemeansforcommunicationofprograminformation(Braille,largeprint,audiotape,etc.)shouldcontactUSDA’sTARGETCenterat(202)720-2600(voiceandTDD).”Tofileacomplaintofdiscrimination,writetoUSDA,AssistantSecretaryforCivilRights,OfficeoftheAssistantSecretaryforCivilRights,1400IndependenceAvenue,S.W.,Stop9410,Washington,DC20250-9410,orcalltoll-freeat(866)632-9992(English)or(800)877-8339(TDD)or(866)377-8642(EnglishFederal-relay)or(800)845-6136(SpanishFederal-relay).USDAisanequalopportunityproviderandemployer.

mailto:[email protected].

mailto:[email protected].

Documents

From the State Conservationist - Dr. William Puckett