
Pictured above is the NRCS/Hendry SWCD LaBelle Service Center
About Hendry SWCD
Our Purpose
The mission of the Hendry 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 Hendry County.
Staff
Noreen Berden, Program Manager
(863) 674-5700 ext.3237
Roy Curry, Conservation Technician
Email us here:
- noreen.berden@hendryfla.net
- roy.curry@fdacs.gov
Board Members
Lisa Cleghorn, Chairman
Bruce Hendry, Vice Chairman
Mabry McCray, Supervisor
Davy Conly, Supervisor
Ariel Avila, Supervisor
- cleghorn.hswcd@gmail.com
- hendry.hswcd@gmail.com
- mccray.hswcd@gmail.com
- conly.hswcd@gmail.com
- avila.hswcd@gmail.com
What We Do
The Hendry 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, convert irrigation systems and inform the public about conservation problems.
A Code of Ethics has been adopted by the district. For Code of Ethics Information. View Code of Ethics Here.
The Hendry SWCD operates under Florida Statutes 582 under the Florida Legislature.
Service Area
Services Provided
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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
- Local government advice and assistance
- Youth education
- Invasive plant control
Educational Programs
The annual Envirothon, Poster Contest and Land Judging are some of the educational programs with which we are currently involved.
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:
Envirothon
- 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.
- 2016 Topic is Invasive Species
- 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, which for 2016 is “Invasive Species, a Challenge to the Environment, Economy and Society.”
Schools can enter more than one team, but no more than six teams. During the competition, the students will rotate to the five testing stations.The Regional Envirothon is sponsored by the Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Soil and Water Conservation Districts, bringing together soil scientists, wildlife experts, foresters, park and recreational leaders, and other environmental specialists to challenge students to learn about our natural resources.
Poster Contest
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.
Financials
Budget Information
To view the District’s annual financial report visit the Department of Financial Services:
Get in Touch!
Hendry SWCD
Noreen Berden
1085 Pratt Blvd.
Dallas Townsend Agricultural Bldg.
LaBelle, FL 33935
(863) 674-5700 ext. 3237