DUVAL SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
  • Our History
  • Supervisors
  • Regeneration Park
  • Start Farming
  • Local Working Group
  • Envirothon
  • Education
    • Speech and Poster Contest
    • Land Judging
  • Programs
  • Blog
  • Minutes
  • Links
  • Contact Us
  • Donate



​​Supervisors

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Eugene "Trey" Ford III, Board Chair
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Eugene "Trey" Ford III, is a graduate of Paxon School for Advanced Studies with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Operations Management with a focus in Construction Planning from the University of Florida. Trey moved back to Jacksonville in August of 2019 and saw massive growth coupled with immeasurable opportunity and immediately put his hands to the plow to improve the city, choosing “story telling” through film as a way to educate, equip, and empower Jacksonville toward a renaissance that would see it eclipse perennial contenders in “best places to live” articles as the most technologically advanced, sustainably run, yet culturally unique and exciting cities in the entire world. 
This is the Jacksonville Renaissance! Power to the People! Grow Your Own Food! #FoodSoverignty


​Term 2023-2027

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Sel Buyuksarac, Board Vice-Chair
Sel Buyuksarac is an accomplished educator and community leader based in Jacksonville, Florida, with an impressive academic background that includes a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Master of Business Administration. In 2002, Sel relocated to Jacksonville and co-founded River City Science Academy (RCSA), a STEM-focused public charter school. Under his leadership, RCSA has grown to encompass six campuses, serving over 5,000 students.
As the Chief of Public Affairs and Community Engagement, Sel plays a pivotal role in the organization’s operations, championing diversity and holistic education. His community involvement is equally noteworthy, with active participation in organizations such as the Rotary Club, Lifework Leadership Class of 2022, Leadership Florida, Leadership Jacksonville, and Global Jax.
Sel is also known for promoting interfaith and cultural dialogue, particularly through initiatives like Ramadan Friendship and Gratitude Dinners, which foster unity and understanding among diverse groups. His unwavering dedication to education, diversity, and community empowerment continues to drive meaningful change, shaping a brighter future for Jacksonville's children.


Term 2024-2027

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Douglas Daze, Board Secretary
Douglas Daze was born in Jacksonville, Attended local schools and a graduate of University of Georgia and Florida State University. He served as a member of Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair (1990-
2002), having served as director, secretary, treasurer and vice president. He assists with management of family acreage and farm in Alachua County, Florida. He helped design and build community
gardens in Itabo, Cuba to provide for the nutritional needs of disadvantaged and elderly members of a local church community. Also provided construction and mission assistance to orphanages and
churches in Honduras as well as in Gahini, Rwanda.
He is currently developing The Immanuel Project, a Florida non-profit dedicated to promotion of Christian religious, charitable and educational purposes with the plan to develop a series of urban
gardens to provide food assistance to underserved areas of Duval County.​

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​Term 2025-2028
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Kamren Stowers, Board Historian
​Kamren Stowers is a lifelong advocate for agriculture and community development. With a decade of experience
in entrepreneurship and public service, Kamren has worked tirelessly to empower communities. He played a key
role in a local initiative raising chickens at an elementary school, helping children with disabilities gain valuable
skills.
As Vice President of The Central Fairfax Community Association, Inc., Kamren advises on critical community
​welfare issues. He leads projects tackling food insecurity, including a community garden and an upcoming aquaponics system. Committed to supporting re-entry programs, Kamren provides housing and assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Kamren is dedicated to using his experience to drive progress and prosperity in the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District.


​Term 2025-2028

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Elsie Lopez, Board Treasurer
Elsie Lopez is an educator, herbalist, and writer with an extensive background in community involvement, leadership, gardening, and environmental stewardship. In 2021, she worked on and stewarded several acres upon which she spearheaded a biochar and soil remediation project while also serving as a Citizen Scientist with the Florida Springs Institute. Years prior to that, she founded Gold Water Alchemy - an organization and initiative rooted in responsible management and maintenance of ecosystems inclusive of the more-than-human world. Through Gold Water Alchemy she has taught adults and children with a specific focus on bioregional awareness, ecologically sensitivity, and seasonal adaptability. She is also a science educator who has co-created a garden alongside her students, encouraging the next generation through participation in urban agriculture. In 2023, she took Soil Life Organic's Soil Biology 101 course, furthering her understanding of and appreciation for the intricate network involved in maintaining ecosystemic balance. Elsie is currently working on a land project in the Dominican Republic, supporting family farmers with a Cacao-growing operation through cooperative economic development. As a Supervisor of DSWCD Elsie aims to foster greater responsibility and care for our environment within the community. 

​Term 2025-2028

James Hoskins, Affiliate Member
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Therapeutic Nursery & Gardenz LLC, is a Regenerative Local Food Forest that acts as a Hub for Farmers, Herbalists and the Community to teach Multicultural Gardening. On the site you will see inner cropping, companion planting and Horticultural Practices all in a Syntropical Agroforestry System. We utilize Parmaculture Techniques throughout the forest to display all plants, herbs and ornamentals in there natural environment. Which creates a Therapeutic experience through your senses (sight, smell, taste and touch) We have programs for Special Needs, Children, Mental Illness, Cancer and many more. With these practices we’re able to teach the Community how to preserve water, build more quality soil, and create an area that produces a cleaner air supply
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Alison O'Donoughue, Affiliate Member
Alison O'Donoughue served as the Urban Agriculture Coordinator for the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District from 2021-2023. She helped create Regeneration Park and run the Start Farming program, but now serves as an Affiliate Member. With a M.S. in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida, Alison is passionate about plants and the environment. You can often find her hiking with her family on the weekends. 

Jermyn Shannon, Affiliate Member

Jermyn Shannon is a distinguished Digipreneur, advocate and community development leader serving as a Start-Up Farmers Mentor at Duval Soil and Water Conservation. As a native, with deep roots in Jacksonville, he brings extensive experience in sustainable farming practices, urban agriculture, and environmental conservation to his decades of board advisory work across multiple conservation districts.
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As the founder of Global Education Technology LLC, an application development and management consulting organization, Shannon has pioneered the integration of technology with agricultural innovation. His firm is committed to advancing both digital literacy and community empowerment. Under his leadership, the company has achieved remarkable growth, implementing successful STEM/AgTECH initiatives that have increased local food production while promoting sustainable agricultural practices throughout Duval County. 
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Jermyn holds multiple certifications, including the Florida School Garden Planner certification from the University of Florida and the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training certification. His work with GIS/ARCIS Mapping and Drones at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University has enhanced his ability to contribute to precision agriculture and land conservation efforts. As a Fellow at the National Young Farmers Coalition, Shannon has been instrumental in developing land and farm policies that support emerging agricultural entrepreneurs in Florida. His certification as a Woodland Community Advocate through the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation has afforded him regional conservation experience to protect and preserve housing and agricultural land for future generations. 

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Shannon's impact on the agricultural community is further evidenced by his successful grant writing efforts, which have secured funding for various youth initiatives. His volunteerism as an archivist has led to comprehensive community engagement strategies and new partnerships between farmers, local businesses, and government agencies. As a subject matter expert in Food Policy for the City of Jacksonville's Office of Agriculture, he has contributed to shaping local policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices and food security. Shannon's academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Intercultural Communications and Pre-law from Florida State University, building upon earlier studies at Ohio Wesleyan University and the Atlanta University Center consortium.   ​
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Laura Palarine, District Aide
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Laura Palarine serves as the District Aide for the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District, supporting the Board with administrative functions and leading digital marketing and outreach initiatives to engage the community in conservation efforts.
Raised in Jacksonville, Laura has a deep-rooted passion for environmental stewardship and community engagement. With a background in marketing and public affairs, she is committed to promoting sustainable practices, educational programs, and public awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of soil and water conservation in Northeast Florida.
Laura works closely with local organizations, schools, and community leaders to advance conservation education and encourage responsible land and water use. Through her role, she aims to foster a greater understanding of natural resource management and inspire action for a healthier environment.

We Want to Hear from You!

MEETING NOTICES:
The next Duval Soil and Water Conservation District's full meeting will take place on July 8th, 2025 from 9:00am - 10:30am, at the UF/IFAS Duval County Extension Office, 1010 N. McDuff Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32254.


Our Full Board Meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month at the UF/IFAS Duval County Extension Office, 1010 N. McDuff Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32254, at 9:00 am. 

June and July Plan of Work Subcommittees meetings are as follows:
Watershed - Monday, June 23, 2025 - Location 
TBD
Agriculture - Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - Location TBD
Development - Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 9:00am, UF/IFAS Extension Office
STEM - No date scheduled at this time

All meetings are open to the public. Public participation is available via Zoom teleconference.

Zoom Notice:


Duval Soil & Water is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Duval Soil & Water Conservation District's Zoom Meeting

​Time: 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85230502372

Meeting ID: 852 3050 2372
  • Our History
  • Supervisors
  • Regeneration Park
  • Start Farming
  • Local Working Group
  • Envirothon
  • Education
    • Speech and Poster Contest
    • Land Judging
  • Programs
  • Blog
  • Minutes
  • Links
  • Contact Us
  • Donate