Wilkes Soil and Water Conservation District

08/31/2026

Check out this brief clip from a pasture exclusion project we just wrapped up!

By fencing livestock out of streams and providing alternative watering sources, projects like this play a huge role in protecting local water quality, preventing bank erosion, and keeping livestock healthy.

We love seeing win-win solutions that support our local farms and farmers while protecting our natural resources. Huge thanks to the NC Foundation for Soil & Water Conservation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) for funding this work and making a direct impact in our community.

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

Join us in congratulating Tim Baumgartner on his recent promotion to Director of our Soil and Water Conservation Division! 🎉

Following the retirement of former director David Williams, N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler appointed Baumgartner due to his decades of experience in the field. Throughout his career, Tim has held various positions with the NCDA&CS and DEQ as well as private sector consulting, including as director of the Division of Mitigation Services, deputy director of operations for the Division of Mitigation Services, environmental senior scientist, environmental scientist and environmental supervisor. Congratulations!

08/25/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 High School Environmental Field Day!

We are excited to offer high school students from the following counties the opportunity to participate in this hands-on environmental learning experience:

Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Forsyth, Iredell, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin Counties.

This event is designed for Earth/Environmental Science and CTE Agriculture students and is also an excellent training opportunity for Envirothon teams. Students will participate in hands-on learning experiences focused on soils, natural resources, and environmental science.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–2:25 PM
Location: Edwin H. McGee Natural Resource Center, North Wilkesboro
Rain Date: Tuesday, September 22
Lunch: Students will need to pack a lunch.

Interested schools are encouraged to register by Friday, September 4.

Registration: https://forms.gle/qv52nUWchtXDexCu6

Please help us spread the word and share this opportunity with high school teachers, students, and Envirothon teams throughout the listed counties!

08/24/2026

Calling all educators and Earth science enthusiasts!

Join us for a FREE Earth Science/Geoscience Workshop on Friday, September 18 at the Edwin H. McGee Natural Resource Center in Fairplains!

Of course, we'll explore rocks and minerals, but we'll also expand our view of what Earth science is and how it impacts our everyday lives. Participants will enjoy presentations, hands-on activities, and group discussions focused on incorporating real-world connections into Earth Science curriculum and presentations.

Presenter/Instructor:
Amy Pitts, MS, PG
Senior Geologist for Education and Outreach
North Carolina Geological Survey
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

When: Friday, September 18
Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Where: Edwin H. McGee Natural Resource Center
928 Fairplains Rd., North Wilkesboro, NC

FREE to attend, but registration is required! Space is limited to 25 participants, so be sure to register early.

Registration: Register here: t.ly/iDr5A

08/21/2026

Wilkes Soil & Water Conservation District is requesting proposals for removal of stream debris on approximately 7,250 linear feet of Little Hunting Creek in North Wilkesboro, NC. There is heavy debris in the stream throughout the project area, with several 100% blockages. Fencing wire may need to be removed and re-installed for stream access. Removed debris will be piled onsite, outside of the 100-year floodplain. All work must be completed according to the standards of the NC Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP).

Interested contractors are required to attend a pre-bid meeting on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 at 9:00am. The meeting will begin at the Wilkes SWCD office at 416 Executive Drive, Suite A, Wilkesboro, NC, followed by a visit to the site.

Please RSVP to the pre-bid meeting via email to [email protected] or by phone at (336) 838-3622 x3 by Friday, September 4th, 2026. Contractors should submit a lump-sum bid on letterhead via email to Wilkes SWCD with Subject: StRAP Bid at [email protected] or by mail at 416 Executive Drive, Suite A, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

Bids must be received by Wednesday, September 23rd at 5:00pm.

Visit our website at wilkesswcd.org for full RFP.

08/19/2026

🌱 Empowering Educators with Hands-On Science! 💧

We had an incredible day hosting Project SWAT (Soil, Water, & Agriculture Training) at the Edwin H. McGee Center! Local educators dove deep into environmental science, gaining practical tools and knowledge to bring back to their classrooms.

A massive thank you to Jessica Davis (NC Association of SWCD Education Coordinator) and Julia Hardy (Wilkes Soil & Water Education Specialist) for brilliantly coordinating and teaching this workshop!

We also want to give a special shoutout to the Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) for providing the mini-grant that made it possible to sponsor hands-on materials for every take-home lesson. Because of your support, these educators are leaving equipped to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards! 🌍📚

Environmental Educators of North Carolina
North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts

08/07/2026

Need equipment for your next project? We’ve got you covered! 🚜🌾

We offer rental equipment to help local landowners and producers put conservation practices on the ground efficiently:

🌱 No-Till Drills: Perfect for planting pasture, cover crops, or small grains while conserving soil moisture and reducing erosion.

🔨 Post Driver: Makes installing or repairing farm fencing faster and much easier on your back.

Equipping your operation with the right tools makes all the difference!

📩 Interested in renting or checking availability? Contact our office today to get on the schedule.

08/01/2026

School is almost back in session, so come celebrate with us! Visit the Mobile Soils Classroom at the Wilkes Youth Life Development Back to School Bash today from 2:00–6:00 PM at The Outpost. Food trucks, games, free school supplies, free student haircuts, and more!

07/24/2026

Progress in action at Wilkes Central High School!

We’re currently installing a Regenerative Stormwater Conveyance System to fix a major erosion issue on campus. Fast-moving runoff from paved surfaces was carving out gully erosion and creating safety concerns, but this system will safely redirect runoff, control flow speeds, and protect our soil and local water quality!

Bonus: it makes the grounds much safer for students and staff!

This work is partially supported by the Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps local schools, businesses, and public spaces install smart conservation practices to treat stormwater and preserve local water resources.