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The work of the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) makes a difference for the environment in our community, and I am proud to be a part of this work. The CSWCD makes grants to farmers and homeowners that make conservation projects work for everyone. Grants range from; cover crops and no-till farming which enrich and preserve our soils, shoreline remediation which prevent erosion and increase shoreline habitat, to urban rain gardens. To be part of an organization that works, every day, to help solve practical problems for our home is rewarding and satisfying. Please let me know how I can help you solve problems you see in our environment.

I am a retired teacher seeking to continue doing educational work related to agriculture and the environment. I currently work as the Operations Coordinator for Williamsburg Community Growers, an organization devoted to educating the public about the benefits of locally grown produce and promoting conservation practices.

Service of various forms has been and continues to be an integral part of my life since childhood.  Including eight elected offices. Among the reasons the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District is important is the long history of numerous societies, that no longer exist as they damaged/exhausted their environment.  I also enjoy long walks, activities and travel with family and friends, socializing, learning, listening to music, and reading a variety of fiction authors and genres.  My late wife & I came to James City County in our retirement about fifteen years ago to be closer to family and enjoy milder winters.     

My name is Philip Thomson and I currently serve as a Director representing New Kent County. I learned the importance of protecting our lands and waterways through the example set by my grandparents who owned a farm and nursery in Hanover County. I chose to serve as a means of giving back to our community and help conserve and protect our natural resources.

I have been an Associate Director of the CSWCD since March 2022. I have worked most of my career in the urban conservation field protecting and restoring the natural environment from negative impacts of urban development. So, volunteering with the district helps me to support their urban conservation programs. I am especially interested in the district's living shoreline program which helps protect shorelines from erosion while maintaining the connection between the aquatic and terrestrial environments.

I grew up in the Western Ohio region that is mainly farmed for corn and soybeans. I attended The Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in Wildlife Biology. After graduation I got married and worked for ODNR as a Conservation Officer for several years and then joined the Air Force. While in the Air Force I earned a Master's Degree in Engineering and Science Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and another Master's in Environmental Science from the University of Alaska Anchorage. After spending 27 years in the Air Force I retired as a Colonel and moved back to Virginia, where I still work for the Air Force as a government civilian employee. I'm very proud of the work the Colonial SWCD does and it's been an honor to be part of it.

I am deeply passionate about serving to protect our land and waterways. Working together we can ensure that Virginia remains a beautiful and vibrant place for generations to come.

I am a Virginia Native and have lived in Hampton Roads since 1998 and have worked in the horticultural Industry for over 25 years. I have been a Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Agent since 2008. I work to foster the missions of VCE through the knowledge base of Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, which focuses around education and conservation to improve the well-being of Virginian's and our natural resources. I love the outdoors and have a deep reverence for nature and all life.

I am an Associate Director for the District and reside in James City County. Previously I have been the appointed director for the District and an elected director from New Kent County. During my eight years with the District, I have been a member of the Agriculture Committee, the Personnel Committee, and chaired both the Finance and the Planning Committees and I have also served as the District Treasurer. I am retired from Colonial Williamsburg where I worked for 39 years.

I am a wife, mother of two boys, and a marine scientist. I work at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science on wetlands and coastal policy. I believe that conservation is critical for human and environmental well-being and through efforts to protect and improve our water and soil, we are creating more resilient and just communities in Virginia.

I joined the Colonial SWCD in 2020 to increase awareness of District's programs and services. I spent my career working at DCR in various positions. These experiences along with my firsthand knowledge of production agriculture will help the Colonial SWCD. Also, I currently serve as 1st Vice President of the VASWCD. I enjoy gardening, spending time with my family, and watching VA Tech sporting events.