February, 2025 Archive

Kevin Jeffries has dedicated over four decades to environmental stewardship, leadership, and agriculture, creating lasting a legacy in Kentucky and the beyond. For 39 years, he served as an elected Soil & Water District Supervisor for the Oldham County Conservation District (1983-2022), including multiple years as its chair. His influence extended statewide as the President…… Continue reading →

Robert (Bob) and Mary Gab's private and public life epitomized their concern and love for our natural resources. It is impossible to separate the accomplishments of one from the other because they worked as a team, one totally supporting the other. Between them, they held almost every conceivable office in the conservation district movement. Bob…… Continue reading →

Donald L. Wells has made his career in the field of conservation, serving various federal and state agencies with distinction. Throughout his career he has developed individual, agency, and corporate relationships across the Commonwealth of Virginia and the country. Don devotes much time and energy to the cause of conservation through his service as an…… Continue reading →

Charles A. Holmes was born September 17, 1951, in Demopolis, Alabama. A graduate of the Marion Military Institute, he also attended Auburn University where he studied agricultural economics and participated in a summer exchange program at Christ Church College in Oxford, England studying British-American history, religion and British architecture. Charles is owner of Holmestead Company,…… Continue reading →

John Redding’s foundation as a leader and advocate of conservation started at Clay County High School as a Future Farmers of America (FFA) member. After high school, John attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and received an associate in science degree. He then continued his education at the University of Georgia where he received his bachelor’s…… Continue reading →

John Peterson has a distinguished career in soil and water conservation. He was a professional with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Soil Conservation Service, now Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and currently serves as a locally-elected director on the board of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Fairfax County, Virginia.…… Continue reading →

Mark’s service and contributions span local, state, and national conservation. His volunteer leadership in chairing the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District for multiple decades—36 continuous years of service—has impacted the local area through identifying and addressing natural resource priorities, highlighting and  assisting with resource concerns unique to the region, as well as supporting education…… Continue reading →

James Bellamy of Shallotte, North Carolina was elected to the Brunswick Soil and Water Conservation District Board in 1948. He served for over 49 years with 34 of those years as Chair until his passing in 1998. He enjoyed spending time working on his farm and implementing conservation practices that provided excellent wildlife habitat. He…… Continue reading →

Wade Troutman epitomizes selfless dedication to the sustainability of our natural resources. He has quietly left a lasting impact on conservation throughout Washington State. Troutman has served on the Foster Creek Conservation District (CD) board of supervisors since 1982 (37 years, and counting). He has lived in Douglas County all his life and resides in…… Continue reading →

Widely known in the region as a successful owner of a large agribusiness company, farmer, and community leader, Miles also served as chairman of Daviess County Conservation District. In addition to serving on numerous agricultural and conservation organizations' boards, Miles was a member of the University of Kentucky Board Trustees and Kentucky Agriculture and Environment…… Continue reading →