Conservation makes a difference, for ourselves and the future

We all know people (maybe you are one of them) who are dedicated to a cause, a community, a church, a charity, a job. They are the ones who step up and get the job done.

Quite simply, dedicated people are the backbone of any organization.

Not a startling revelation, but one that I have been thinking about lately, since our administrative assistant, Phyllis Gilmore, is retiring soon after 28-plus years of dedicated service. She does all kinds of things that we think just magically happen, and the reality of how much we will miss her will hit hard.

She has set the tone of friendly, cheerful service that has influenced all of us as staff, board and customers. We will carry that commitment to service forward as she enjoys her retirement, but her one-of-a-kind attitude will be truly missed.

Dedicated people

The conservation family, as we refer to it, is made up of the most dedicated people you will ever meet. SWCD staff, supervisors and our partnering agencies like ODNR Division of Soil and Water Resources, and NRCS, are dedicated to conservation, with a passion I would hold up to any other group.

All SWCD boards of supervisors volunteer their time to their district and its programs. And they don’t just show up for one meeting a month;the Holmes SWCD board is engaged and involved on a regular basis.

One of our members, Harold Neuenschwander, is involved as an officer with the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts as well, which is a major commitment.

And most importantly, farmers around the state are dedicated to conservation. We see it in our county, at meetings, field days, and magazines — farmers who preach the gospel of conservation and live and breathe it every day.

Next generation

They believe in it, and are making changes that benefit all of us, whether through nutrient management or soil improvements. And they are an example of stewardship for the next generation.

What makes someone devoted to conservation? There are many other worthy causes out there. My answer is that conservation makes a difference, and isn’t that what we all want … to have our work make a difference?

Cleaner water and healthy soil are the basis for all life, when you get right down to it.

These are precious natural resources that if taken for granted, can change a civilization and become its downfall. Sounds dramatic and a little over the top, doesn’t it?

But it truly is that important. If you are dedicated to conservation, thank you.
If you would like to see improvements, contact your local SWCD to see if they can help with your conservation needs.