Manatee River Soil & Water Conservation District

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Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District (MRSWCD)

The MRSWCD consists of an elected board of officials who advise and perform outreach locally on soil and water issues.

MRSWCD Board

An elected five-member, non-partisan board of supervisors who volunteer their services.  Supervisors meet regularly on the second Monday night of each month. 

Chairman: Paul Howard 
Vice-Chair: John J. O’Connor, Jr. 
Secretary/Treasurer: Ben King
Supervisor: Callon C. ‘Buddy’ Keen, Jr.
Supervisor: Julie Tillett

Annual Events

Envirothon- Envirothon is an environmentally themed academic team competition for high school students. The Manasota regional Envirothon, held annually in February, is facilitated by the MRSWD. Students are tested on their knowledge of Aquatics, Forestry, Soils/Land Use, Wildlife, and a current issue. Study guides and dates are available in the Resources below.

Speech Contest– Held in November the speech competition is held for middle and high school students from Manatee County as part of Farm City Week. The competition is designed to develop leadership through participation in public speaking activities and to stimulate interest in conserving our natural resources.

Land Judging- Land Judging is an exciting contest in which Middle and High School 4-H and FFA student teams of four observe and interpret the soil in order to make wise land use decisions. The regional competition is held in February in different locations throughout Manatee County.

Spring Farm Tour- This bus tour takes visitors through various farms in Manatee County, to increase awareness of agricultural operations.

Contact

Gail Somodi
Soil Conservation Supervisor
Phone: 941-907-0011 ext 3142