Samantha Shoaf-Miller: I grew up with my mom, stepdad, and sisters on the intercoastal waterway in Pensacola, FL. They are all (I mean ALL) lawyers in Pensacola today.  My dad is a cotton farmer in West Tennessee. Growing up I thought that the beach was something boring you do on Tuesdays after school, but over summer break you could maybe get to go ride in a combine!
  
Shawn Miller: I was born at Riverview Hospital and grew up in Arcadia.

Jessica Irvine: Carmel, Indiana​

SSM:  My work with the SWCD highlights how a 'normal' suburban household can support conservation through planting native species, removing invasives, composting, managing stormwater runoff, mulching leaves, and so much more- and we only "farm" a third of an acre in a cul-de-sac! Modern life is a high density, high tech, highly specialized world. Agriculture needs to be high density, high tech, and highly specialized to support our communities sustainably. I start with agriculture when you ask about conservation because when you think about the things humans need from the environment, calories come first. Everyone wants to have a robust economy made up of experts, so we need to also trust experts who produce calories from sunshine. If we can generate more calories more reliably from the agricultural acres, that means that we can save acres for native habitats, green spaces, parks, riparian buffers- all of the other ecosystem services we enjoy. Those ecosystems services are only possible at a large scale once we have enough food to eat. Hamilton county is growing and changing -it is a great place to raise a family in part because our community is unique in access to urban, rural, and natural areas. It will take a specific dedication to maintain that balance moving forward. 
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SM: Conservation means taking care of the land, water, soil, and environment that we have been given to ensure it is in the best condition possible for the next generation. It is easy to take the lazy way out, those that go above and beyond to protect the conservation we have been given truly stand out!
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JI: To me, conservation means equitably and responsibly sharing this incredible planet with all life on Earth, including but not limited to plants, animals, and insects. It means to minimize harmful impacts and promote habitat conservation and biodiversity. Conservation is to care for others with you in this moment of time on Earth and those who will come after you. It is everyone's responsibility individually and collectively to be good stewards of this planet. Protecting and defending all my fellow earthlings is my fiercest passion and my greatest calling. 

By Taylor Wilson

Since 2015 we've been working on our Soil Is Alive soil health trailer with multiple partners and artists. After many years, we are close to finishing it. Check out the photos below. 

By Taylor Wilson

​The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District held their Annual Meeting this February at the Delaware Township Community Center with record attendance. Over 150 county residents attended to vote in the SWCD Supervisor election and learn more about the SWCD. Highlights from the District’s 2024 work were shared by Claire Lane. The SWCD recognized Rachael Foster and Hamilton County Tourism with the Outstanding Partner of Urban Conservation Awards. Special recognition was also given to Dusty Forrer and Jared Kakasuleff for their participation on the SWCD Board over many years.

Jeanette Jaskula gave a presentation on how to garden to attract moths, including detailed information on native moth species. Jessica Irvine was elected to the SWCD Board of Supervisors and sworn in by Kenny Cain, State Soil Conservation Board member. Attendees also donated a full box of food donations to the Delaware Township Community Center food bank.
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We host an annual meeting every year to highlight our work as a district, provide educational opportunities, and hold an election. To stay updated on the latest programs and events, visit www.hamiltonswcd.org.