Our Mission
To foster voluntary, incentive-driven management of soil, water, and related natural resources for the benefit of the environment, economy, and all citizens.
The Vision
To improve the lives of all citizens, through conservation best management practices, education, and technical services, using the most current and accurate knowledge available.
Soil Conservation Technician
Chris served farmers as a Soil Conservation Technician for NRCS for 30 years. After retiring from NRCS, Chris returned to work with Wilkes Soil & Water Conservation District and surrounding districts as Inspector for Stream Debris Programs.
Email: cvance.wilkes@gmail.com
Christine "Chris" Vance
Watershed Coordinator
BJ served farmers while working for NRCS. After retiring, he returned to serve the farmers and landowners of Wilkes County through oversight of the NWQI Program and providing technical assistance.
Email: bjbenjacobcook@gmail.com
BJ Cook
Contracted Staff:
Makayla Norman
Natural Resource Conservationist
Streamflow Rehabilitation Specialist
Makayla is responsible for coordinating our Stream Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP), Stream Debris Removal Program, and the Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP). Makayla also assists with Drone Surveying, mapping, and Water Point Certification. She uses marketing and design skills to manage our social media accounts and assist with fundraising. She is also working on her North Carolina Environmental Education Certification.
Email: mnorman.wilkes@gmail.com
The Board Members:
The board is made up of 5 community members from all across the county and is comprised of 3 elected and two appointed members. They strive to ensure that Wilkes SWCD is doing its best to serve Wilkes County.
Charlie Sink
Chair
Dr. Bill H. Davis, Jr.
Member
Claude E. Shew, Jr.
Vice-Chair
Brian L. Parker
Member
Gwen T. Minton
Secretary/Treasurer
The Staff
Meet Your Team
Wilkes Soil & Water is made up of 5 Board members and 6 Staff members.
Conservationist & Educator
Moriah assists with both technical and educational programs at the district. She plans and executes lessons for students in addition to working with farmers on maps, contracts, and conservation planning. Moriah also conducts Drone Surveys and is working on completing her Environmental Educator certification.
Email: mowen.wilkes@gmail.com
Moriah J. Owen
Kayla M. McCoy
District Director
Kayla manages the work of staff and the Wilkes Soil & Water Conservation District office. She works closely with the District Board, the County Manager, and partner agriculture agencies, local educators, landowners, and land users. The purpose of the work is to promote programs and services of the department and to provide technical, educational, and informational services to maintain, protect, preserve, and enhance natural resources on private and public lands in Wilkes County.
Email: kmccoy.wilkes@gmail.com
Barry Greer
Natural Resource Conservationist
Barry is responsible for working with landowners, contractors, developers, and farming operations to encourage best management practices within the Wilkes Soil and Water Conservation District. He is responsible for writing conservation plans for the NC Ag Cost Share and AgWRAP program.
Barry provides technical assistance for drainage, erosion, and storm damage issues. With 34+ years of experience Barry has escorted Wilkes SWCD to be the #1 district in the state for monies allocated through the NC Cost Share Program.
Email: barrygreer.wilkes@gmail.com
Julia C. Hardy
Conservation Educational Specialist
Julia plans and implements educational programs in the community and establishes sound relationships with the elementary, middle, and high schools in conserving soil, water and other natural resources. She is a certified NC Environmental Educator and coordinates educational contests and field days within the district and region. She maintains office bookkeeping, minutes, coordinates events, and advises the Wilkes Voluntary & Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District programs and the Wilkes Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Email: jhardy.wilkes@gmail.com
