Butte SWCD recognizes longtime employee Frances Perkes 03/12/2021
By Stephanie Barnes
When thinking of a person who embodies NACD’s commitment to conservation, long-term Butte Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) employee Frances Perkes comes to mind.
Frances started her career with the Butte SWCD in Idaho as a clerk in 1984 and has worn many hats in carrying out her duties for the district and currently serves as the office manager. Frances has been instrumental in running the conservation district’s youth outreach programs such as the annual poster and speech contests, the SWCD’s 6th-grade natural resources tour and the statewide NCF-Envirothon competition.
Frances has coordinated informational tours and events for district residents, including County Tours and Soil Health Workshops. Frances has worked with partners to complete conservation projects, including providing administrative assistance to partner agencies that do not have that capacity. Frances has been an active member of the Idaho District Employee Association, the state Envirothon committee, as well as attending the state association conferences and an occasional national conference.
Frances was born and raised in the local area and has always had an agricultural connection. Her knowledge of the history of the area and farming practices has been valuable to the SWCD board and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff.
“Frances is a joy to work with,” said Stephanie Barnes, Butte SWCD administrative assistant. “I love hearing about all the conservation projects the district has accomplished over the years. As a district employee, Frances is a great example of providing support for the board to accomplish their natural resource goals.”