VASWCD 2025 Annual Conference

The Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) held its Annual Conference December 7–9 in Williamsburg at the DoubleTree Hotel. Soil and Water Conservation District staff and Directors from across the Commonwealth attended, along with numerous partner organizations, totaling more than 525 registered participants. 

The conference was opened with fife and drums provided by the Williamsburg Field Musick Fife’s & Drums. 

Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by BJ Pryor) of Colonial Williamsburg Gardens. Photograph by Dave Beals. 

The conference highlighted conservation efforts throughout Virginia and featured keynote speakers including Stephanie Taillon, Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources; Matthew Lohr, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry; Adrienne Kotula, Virginia Director for the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Dave Neudeck, Communications and Marketing Director with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR); and Greg Steele, Chief Resilience Officer with the Office of Commonwealth Resilience. 

Attendees participated in a wide variety of informational sessions held throughout each day. Key topics included soil health initiatives, National Wildlife Federation Grow More training, human resources, marketing, and grant writing. 

The Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District was well represented at the meeting and assisted VASWCD with coordinating live music and presenters for the conference. This marked the first annual meeting to feature scheduled live music each day, and the local musicians and presenters were extremely well received by attendees. The conference opened with fife and drums, provided by the Williamsburg Field Musick Fifes & Drums, showcasing the rich history of Williamsburg. Featured local musicians included Chap Cash, Elijah Righter (New Kent), the Virginia ShellPhish Coalition (Newport News), and Luna Puckett and Kim Person (York). Presenters included Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by BJ Pryor) and Eve Otmar of Colonial Williamsburg Gardens. 

Musical act the Virginia ShelllPhish Coalition from Newport News. 

The VASWCD 2025 Annual Conference concluded with an awards banquet recognizing outstanding service and achievement. Highlights include Jim Wallace, District Programs Manager, receiving the Chaffin employee of the year award—the award honors Jim’s 20 years of exceptional service, dedication, and commitment to the District—and Dave Beals, Director, City of Williamsburg, being selected for first vice president of the State Association. Also, ten farms across the Commonwealth were recognized as grand basin award winners for the exceptional conservation work implemented on their farm operations. 

Jim Wallace accepting the Chaffin District Employee of the Year of award from CSWCD York County Director, Pam Mason during the awards banquet.