About Bradford SWCD
Our Purpose
The mission of the Bradford Soil and Water Conservation District is to provide the administration of programs to conserve soil and improve water quality and quantity on private lands in Bradford County.
Staff
Registered Agent:
Paul Still
14167 SW 101st Ave
Starke, FL 32091
stillpe@aol.com
904 368-0291
Board Members
District 1
Tom Germano
2870 SE 50th St
Keystone Heights, FL
32666
District 2
Ok Sun Burks
820 North Street
Starke, FL
32091
District 3
Tara Singletary
Keystone Heights, FL
32666
District 4
Amy Morie
24686 N Hwy 301
Lawtey, FL
32058
District 5
Paul Still
14167 SW 101st Ave
Starke, FL 32091
904 368-0291
What We Do
Established by the Florida Legislature, the Bradford Soil & Water Conservation District, a governmental subdivision of the State of Florida, was established October 9, 1950 under Florida Statutes 582 by local residents for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the wise use, management and general conservation of the County’s soil, water and related natural resources. The District is committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Bradford County through conservation of its natural resources.
The Bradford Soil & Water Conservation District works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) creating ways to conserve water, prevent soil erosion, and inform the public about conservation problems.
The Bradford SWCD operates under Florida Statutes 582 under the Florida Legislature.
Charter/Creation
Service Area
The Bradford Soil and Water Conservation District serves all of Bradford County in the area of the conservation and stewardship of our natural resources.
Services Provided
Soil and Water Conservation in Bradford County
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Assist land owners in their efforts to secure financial assistance through Farm Bill Programs to implement conservation practices
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Conservation education, programs and information
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Assist growers with development of low volume irrigation systems
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Develop and update irrigation water management plans
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Soil surveys and historical maps
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Local government advice and assistance
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Youth education
- Invasive plant control
BSWCD Meetings
- Regular meetings: First Tuesday of the month at 9:00 am
- Supplemental meetings: Third Tuesday of the month at 9:00 am
- Bradford Extension Office – 2266 N Temple Ave. Starke, FL 32091
- All meetings are open to the public. Public participation is available via Zoom teleconference. Links to participate are posted on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076387362563
Educational Programs
The Bradford Soil and Water Conservation District sponsors a number of programs that serve the Bradford County communities. Through community support and fundraising efforts, the district is working to build the number of services we are able to offer.
The annual Envirothon, Poster & Speech Contest and Land Judging are some of the educational programs with which we are currently involved. Presentations on topics such as Florida’s aquifer, basic soil principles, native/invasive plants and more are available for youth and adult groups.
If you are interested in volunteering for any of these programs, in having a district supervisor work with you on a project or in offering your support for our work, please contact: Paul Still 904 368-0291 email stillpe@aol.com
Envirothon
The Regional Envirothon is a problem-solving, natural resource education program for high school students. It is a unique outdoor competition that requires teamwork and the application of knowledge in the five areas listed below:
- Aquatics – water ecology, water chemistry, water quality, and aquatic life.
- Current Environmental Issues – annually selected topics such as energy sources, ground water, Gulf of Mexico environmental concerns or other current issues.
- Forestry – tree identification, tree ecology, insects, and timber.
- Soils – classification, formation, soil properties, profiles, and site suitability.
- Wildlife – habitat, identification, food, disease, and management.
Each team consists of five students. Schools can enter more than one team, but no more than six teams. The five-member teams are led by an advisor in studying prepared resource materials in the five areas including a selected current environmental issue.
Poster Contest
The annual National Conservation Poster Contest provides kindergarten through twelfth grade students an opportunity to convey their thoughts about soil, water and related natural resource issues through art. It also highlights the educational outreach efforts of conservation districts and their state conservation associations, auxiliaries and agencies. The poster contest theme follows the annual Stewardship theme. The contest is co-sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts and the NACD Auxiliary.
Each year, the poster contest starts at the district level. Individuals and teachers with questions regarding district contests should contact their local district. To locate your local district search our state directory. District winners advance to the state level. For questions regarding state competitions, districts should contact their state association. Finally, state winners advance to the National Contest. National winners are recognized each year at the NACD Annual Meeting.
**PLEASE NOTE: Check your state poster contest sponsoring group to determine deadline and theme topic and correct poster size. Each state coordinates their own contest. Posters must follow your state’s guidelines to be eligible for the national contest.
Go here for more information:https://afcd.us/poster-contest/
Speech Contest
Bradford County Soil and Water Conservation District sponsors an annual speech contest, which is designed to develop leadership and stimulate interest in conserving natural resources.
Land Judging
Land Judging is an exciting 4-H and FFA contest in which Middle and High School students in observe and interpret the soil in order to make wise land use decisions.
The skills the teens use at the contest involve principles that can be valuable in career fields like environmental and agricultural management, natural resources conservation, home building, engineering, and construction. Students can compete at the local, state, and national levels.
The Bradford Soil & Water Conservation Districts host local middle and high school students in FFA and 4-H to test their knowledge by judging soils from four pits that are selected by a Soil Scientist with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
In each class (Middle 4-H, High 4-H, Middle FFA, High FFA) the local county winner may compete at the state contest in that respective class.
Top placing teams in the state contest are eligible to compete at the National Land Judging Contest held at the end of April.
Financials
Budget Information
The District’s fiscal year runs from October 1st through September 30th annually.
2021-2022 Budget
Bradford County Commission Funding $5000
Association of Florida Conservation Districts (AFCD) Dues $ 100
Annual AFDC Area 2 Meeting $ 50
AFCD Annual Meeting $ 100
Bradford County Fair Youth Support $1250
Swine $ 250
Cattle $ 250
Goats $ 250
Small Animal $ 250
4H $ 250
Environmental Education Youth Programs $ 300
Operating Expenses $ 3100
Water Level & Quality Monitoring Program $1800
Invasive Plant Monitoring & Control Program $ 400
Supplies, Services and Repairs $ 600
Travel $ 300
Total $5000
To view the District’s annual financial report visit the Department of Financial Services:
Get in Touch!
Bradford Soil and Water Conservation District
14167 SW 101st Ave
Starke, FL 32091
stillpe@aol.com
904 368-0291
Registered Agent: Paul Still