updates

DUVAL SOIL & WATER
  • Our History
  • Supervisors
  • Start Farming
  • Blog
  • Local Working Group
  • Programs
  • Education
  • Links
  • Stay Connected

April is Water Conservation Month

4/6/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
We are pleased to partner with the St. Johns River Water Management District to increase awareness about the importance of water conservation. See the full proclamation below.
​
0 Comments

Now Hiring - Urban Agriculture Coordinator

4/3/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Urban Agriculture Coordinator
Estimated Hours – 25 per week

Duval Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD) is an at-large elected board of five supervisors, with no party affiliation. The DSWCD organized by concerned citizens of Duval County to help landowners and users to conserve land, water, forests, wildlife and related natural resources.
 
Position Description:
The Urban Agriculture Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of DSWCD’s Regeneration Park project. Regeneration Park is a green infrastructure and community stewardship project which will create a safe space on public land within an underrepresented community to demonstrate urban agriculture, cultivate environmental stewardship and empower residents to build with nature for social, economic and environmental health.
 
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Lead events, educational workshops and people.
  • Manage grant materials, program implementation and evaluation.
  • Keep track of the progression of work and provide guidance to team members.
  • Coordinate with local governmental agencies, organizations and partners.
  • Research prospective funding opportunities and direct grant writing efforts and solicitation of project sponsors.
  • Provide professional organization for maximum efficiency and effectiveness of resources.
  • Conduct administrative tasks, including systems and data management.
  • Maintain financial accounting, documentation, and storage.
  • Provide written bi-monthly progress reports
  • Report to Board Chair
Required Qualifications:
  • 3-5 years of experience in urban agriculture or natural resources conservation.
  • Experience in event/program coordination.
  • Experience in data and systems management.
  • A sincere commitment to the vision and mission of DSWCD.
  • Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
  • Experience and demonstrated cultural competence working with diverse communities.
  • Ability to work independently, effectively manage projects, and meet deadlines.
  • Thoughtful approach to work, with a desire to solve problems.
  • Proficient in MS Office, Google platforms, data management software, and social media platforms.
  • Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.
  • Demonstrated grant writing competence.
  • Demonstrated project management experience.
Physical Demands:
  • Requires ability to work remotely with occasional visits to local parks and businesses.
  • Requires ability to install plants and use garden tools alongside volunteers.
  • Requires ability to use computers, telephones, and other office equipment.
  • Requires ability to speak audibly and listen actively.
Other duties:
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor, in compliance with Federal and State laws. Strict adherence to the Sunshine Law is required. At no time will this position replicate or duplicate duties the supervisors are required to perform themselves, but will aid in the effective functioning of this elected agency through communication, research, and coordination. The board meets once a month at the Duval County Extension Office. All other meetings are available via Zoom teleconference. All meetings are noticed and open to the public.
 
Note: This position has a 60-day trial period.

Send resume and letter of interest to DSWCD Board of Supervisors at duvalswcd@gmail.com.

Deadline: April 16, 2021
0 Comments

Conservation District Awarded Urban Agriculture Conservation Grant

4/2/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Jacksonville, Florida – The Duval Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD) announced today it was awarded an urban agriculture conservation grant through a partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to boost technical capacity nationwide.

The DSWCD was one of 20 conservation districts across 14 states to receive funding. The $50,000 grant will provide initial funding for Regeneration Park, a green infrastructure and community stewardship project focused on demonstrating urban agriculture, cultivating environmental stewardship and empowering residents to build with nature for social, economic and environmental health. The project, located on the west side of Jacksonville’s urban core, will transform half an acre of currently unused public land into an ecological demonstration site along the S-Line link of Groundwork Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail near the Sugar Hill Mosaic. The project will be situated less than a mile from the recently completed EPA cleanup activities at the Fairfax Street Wood Treaters Superfund site and the DSWCD has been working closely with the City of Jacksonville’s Parks and Recreation department to develop an appropriate plan to regenerate the associated soils and enhance the affiliated community.

“The District is committed to regenerating ecosystems in our affected neighborhoods”, said Jennifer Casey, DSWCD Chair. “We are thrilled that the Regeneration Park project was funded by NACD and will bring technical assistance from soil scientists, farmers and conservationists directly to residents right where they live and work.”

The project also features a bioswale installation, the creation of a pollinator habitat and a series of educational workshops. The UF/IFAS Duval County Extension, the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, Groundwork Jacksonville, St. Johns Riverkeeper, NativeJax, and Jacksonville Youth Works have provided support to the project.

NACD and NRCS established the Urban Agriculture Conservation Grant Initiative in 2016 to help conservation districts and their partners provide much-needed technical assistance for community-oriented agricultural projects in both urban and rural contexts. This is the fifth round of funding with grants totaling $5.6 million for 122 projects across 35 states.

###

About the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District: For over 67 years, under the authority created by the Soil Conservation Act passed by the Florida Legislature in 1937, the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District has promoted responsible management and conservation of natural resources by delivering conservation technology and education to local landowners and users and promoting the wise use of land and best management practices that will conserve, improve and sustain the natural resources of Duval County.

About the NACD: The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-profit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state associations and the 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For more than 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. For more information about NACD, visit: www.nacdnet.org.

About the USDA NRCS: The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service is a major partner of soil and water conservation districts, nation-wide. Since the Dust Bowl of the 1930's, the NRCS (formerly SCS) has worked with conservation districts throughout the US to help landowners and land users, as well as Federal, State, Tribal, Community groups, and local units of government plan and implement conservation practices, where appropriate, to effectively and positively address the associated natural resource concerns.
​

0 Comments

Volunteer Spotlight - Jim Tootle

3/21/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

For our March Volunteer of the Month, we would like to recognize Nassau Senior Forester James (Jim) Tootle. Jim is an avid supporter of the Fred B. Miller, Jr. Regional Envirothon and has mentored hundreds of high school students in environmental science as they have participated in our annual competition​. His dedication as a friend of the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District and his willingness to volunteer each year do not go unnoticed! We are grateful that he works hard to impart to the next generation his hard-earned wisdom from his many years as a county forester. 

​More about Jim:
  • Serves thousands of people each year in fire prevention and educational outreach events in Nassau County
  • Provides landowners, schools, the public, and local governments with access to expert forestry knowledge and management advice
  • Works to increase knowledge, enhance forest health and support forest sustainability
  • 20 years of timber procurement experience in private industry 
  • Protects and manages the forest resources of Florida, ensuring they are available for future generations

0 Comments

2020 Annual Report

3/16/2021

0 Comments

 
0 Comments

Envirothon Hike

3/9/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
0 Comments

Start Farming Mentorship - Apply Now!

3/8/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Jacksonville, FL — Duval Soil and Water Conservation District announced today the opening of applications for its 2021 Start Farming Mentorship program which will support new farmers by providing tours of local farm operations and onsite workshops about sustainable practices, including water conservation, composting and permaculture. The year-long program, made possible by a $2,500 grant award from the National Association of Conservation Districts and volunteer mentors, will select 15 applicants to explore farming opportunities in Duval County.

“In an urban district like ours, new farmers often have not grown up on the farm, so it is essential that they have mentors to provide advice and guidance,” said Jennifer Casey, Chair. “Beginning farmers will now have the opportunity to explore diverse farm operations and learn how sustainable regenerative solutions like composting, permaculture and rainwater catchment can help them overcome some of the challenges of starting a farming endeavor.”

Over the course of the year, participants will take guided tours of four farms, from an urban farm in a food dessert to a rural commercial operation. In addition, each will receive a Sustainable Solutions Kit valued at over $150 which will include resources for water conservation, a compost kit, and seed to attract beneficial pollinators. Beyond the training, participants will network with the local agricultural community and with agency personnel offering conservation funding assistance to growers and producers.
​
The Start Farming Mentorship program is open to new farmers who reside in Duval County and are interested in starting a farm business. Preference will be given to past attendees of the District’s annual Start Farming events. Applications are only accepted online at duvalsoilandwater.com and must be submitted by March 15, 2021.

Picture
​Note: The 2-hour workshops will be facilitated by Duval SWCD and partners which include Apple Rabbit Compost and NativeJax Permaculture Design. Questions? Email duvalswcd@gmail.com.

About Duval Soil and Water Conservation District
For over 67 years, Duval Soil and Water Conservation District has promoted responsible management and conservation of natural resources by delivering conservation technology and education to local landowners and users and promoting the wise use of land and best management practices that will conserve, improve and sustain the natural resources of Duval County.
Apply Now!
0 Comments

Black History Month Highlight- Caria Hawkins

2/28/2021

2 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
This Black History Month, we would like to highlight Caria Hawkins the owner of Abundant Harvest Farms. Caria has been a long time supporter of The Duval Soil & Water Conservation District and a panelist at our previous Start Farming events. Caria also owns one of few Black-Owned Farms in Northeast Florida.

Hawkins was featured in a Feeding Northeast Florida article on African American’s and Agriculture. Here is an expert.
​

| There were nearly a million black farmers in America by 1920. Yet today, of the country’s 3.4 million total farmers, only 1.3%, or 45,508, are black, according to the USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture report.  “Agriculture and African American history go back for centuries,” said Hawkins hopes that more African American youth become involved in farming. “I really feel like our future depends on our African American youth and if the craft is not handed down, we’re going to lose something in between,” said Hawkins. “Our community’s health and independence rely on consistent access to nutritious, affordable food.”  |

Abundant Harvest is Nestled in the heart of a pecan orchard and surrounded by 40-acres of green pastures, Abundant Harvests farm is located in Baker County, 30 minutes west of Jacksonville, Fl.

Abundant Harvest farms four acres of vegetables, greens, & herbs grown without the use of herbicides, pesticides, insecticide, and commercial fertilizers, that is also GMO-free. In addition, the farm has free range chicken as well as pasture raised cows and pigs that graze on grass and all natural based systems. Abundant Harvests engages in farming practices that protect the environment, public health, and animal welfare. This includes use of two artesian wells to irrigate crops and water our animals, the implementation of crop rotation, and bio intensive integrated pest management.

You can purchase the local produce and famous pecan roasted coffee at Riverside Arts Market and at The Fresh Produce Market by Abundant Harvests Farm at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) Terminal
Please visit follow Abundant Harvest Farms on Facebook, Visit their website at http://www.abundantharvests.farm


Photo Credits (Abundant Harvest Farms & Edible Northeast Florida
2 Comments

Start Farming Mentorship in the News

2/24/2021

0 Comments

 
Read the article:
​ Farming mentorship program offers move toward self-sufficiency during pandemic - First Coast News
0 Comments

Duval SWCD Awarded Friends of NACD Grant

2/15/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
​WASHINGTON – The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Second Vice President Kim LaFleur announced the 2021 recipients of the Friends of NACD District Grants program during NACD’s 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting on February 9th.

The Friends of NACD program was established in 2009 to support the nation’s nearly 3,000 conservation districts through cash donations to NACD.

Now in its second round of funding, the Friends of NACD District Grants program is an initiative of the NACD District Operations and Member Services (DOMS) Committee that enables a portion of funds raised through individual donations in support of locally-led conservation to be awarded to four conservation district projects of up to $2,500 each.

“Last year, in our inaugural district grants program, we were able to help support conservation districts from across the country,” LaFleur said. “We’re excited to offer a second round of funding, knowing that our conservation districts thrive on this partnership.”

The Duval Soil and Water Conservation District in Florida will begin a farming mentorship program to support new farmers by providing tours of diverse farm operations and onsite workshops about sustainable practices, including water conservation, composting and permaculture.

The Catoosa County Conservation District in Georgia will host a rain barrel workshop to encourage and promote residential water conservation.

In Connecticut, the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District will develop land owned by the conservation district into an outdoor conservation showcase and education center for area residents, schools, students, and conservation volunteers and professionals.

The Beaver County Conservation District in Oklahoma will commemorate the devastating March 7, 2020 wildfire with a one-day “block party”-style event, using speakers, vendors, demonstrations, games and entertainment to encourage community residents to participate in wildfire prevention and learn how to prepare themselves when wildfire strikes again.

“We have seen how these district grants help support locally-led conservation delivery in communities across the nation,” LaFleur said. “NACD is proud to support our members in expanding their reach and advancing their mission.”

Learn more about the district grants program on NACD’s website.

About the National Association of Conservation Districts:
The National Association of Conservation Districts is the nonprofit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state and territory associations and the 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For more than 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. For more information about NACD, visit: www.nacdnet.org.
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

We Want to Hear from You!

Our Full Board Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month at the Duval County Extension Office, 1010 N. McDuff Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32254, at 3:30 p.m.  The Plan of Work Subcommittee meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the same time and location. All meetings are open to the public. Due to the national health emergency and physical distancing limitations, public participation is only available via Zoom teleconference. Links to participate are posted on our Facebook page.

(c) 2021 Duval Soil and Water Conservation District
  • Our History
  • Supervisors
  • Start Farming
  • Blog
  • Local Working Group
  • Programs
  • Education
  • Links
  • Stay Connected