OUR BOARD MEMBERS Cindy Webb Treasurer, Carroll J.D. Testerman Galax Kevin Kirk Grayson Steve Pottorff Associate Director David Frazier Chairperson, Carroll Mike Rhudy Vice Chairperson, Grayson Gary Boring Secretary, Galax

PHOTO GALLERY Take a look at what the New River Soil and Water Conservation District has been up to! 2026 Earth Day TShirts 2026 Earth Day TShirts 2023 Chainsaw Safety Training 2026 Earth Day TShirts 1/160 New River Hill Farm & Forest Updates. View the progress! Green House Construction View the construction process of the green house at New River Hill Farm!

The New River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of the Counties of Grayson and Carroll and Carroll and the City of Galax. The District's overall objective is to see that every acre of land be treated to its capabilities. Welcome to New River Soil & Water Conservation District We work with the people who work the land. Learn about the District Our Mission and Priorities The New River Soil and Water Conservation District is committed to the responsible use and preservation of natural resources in the Counties of Grayson and Carroll and the City of Galax. Our team works tirelessly to promote conservation practices and provide assistance to landowners in implementing soil and water conservation measures. What Our District Offers Our district offers a range of services including technical assistance, educational programs, and cost-share incentives to support conservation efforts. We are dedicated to helping the community in achieving sustainable land use and water management practices. Earth Day Team Join our Earth Team Volunteer program and help us protect our planet. As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to participate in projects and events focused on environmental conservation. Submit an application today! Learn more about becoming a volunteer No-Till Drill Rental Our rental program offers top-of-the-line equipment to help you achieve your farming goals while minimizing soil disturbance. Contact us today to learn more about no-till farming and the no-till seed drill rental availability. Learn more about renting the no-till drill Conservation Planning Collaborate with our experts to develop customized conservation plans for your property. We provide guidance on best management practices, conservation easements, and land use planning. Read more about conservation planning Learn About Our Chestnut Creek & Elk Creek TMDL (Septic System) Cost-Share Program Please click on the words above. CONSERVING & PROTECTING YOUR NATURAL RESOURCES

OUR STAFF MEMBERS Emily Coomes Administrative Technician & FOIA Officer Scotty Hines Conservation Technician Crystal Cox Conservation Technician Brady Lowe Intern Tracy Goodson District Manager Tim Phipps Conservation Specialist Brandon Tomlinson Conservation Technician

NEW RIVER SWCD BOARD APPROVED MINUTES * Board Meeting Minutes that are no longer posted can be made available upon request by contacting the FOIA Officer. 2026 April Minutes

Let's Connect Contact Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have! Address 200 Jacks Orchard Road Galax, VA 24333 Email tgoodson.newriver@gmail.com ecoomes.newriver@gmail.com Phone (276) 601-6163 Social Media First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

INTERNSHIPS New River Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking interns to assist with natural resource conservation programs. Interns will be expected to assist with: water quality monitoring data collection and reporting maintenance of electronic media public education programs assistance with Conservation Technicians other special assigned projects Interns must be: detail oriented comfortable using Microsoft Office and various computer programs able to work independently available for a flexible schedule that includes day and evening work Internships can begin and end at any time during the year. The internship is either paid or unpaid , depending on education and experience. Internship candidates must be at least 18 years old by the start of the internship and be pursuing a degree or have graduated within the past year in natural resource management, environmental or agricultural education, regional planning, or other related fields. Interns must have a valid driver's license and their own transportation and be comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments . To apply to be an NRSWCD Intern, submit the following to Tracy Goodson via email (tgoodson.newriver@gmail.com ): cover letter resume

NRSWCD WELCOMES YOU TO NEW RIVER HILL FARM & FOREST Welcome to New River Hill Farm & Forest. Owned and Operated by the New River Soil & Water Conservation District. It is the first and only Soil & Water Conservation District owned educational property in Virginia. We have several miles of expanding trails located near and along the New River. Trails can be accessed from our parking lot trail head. If you are a little more adventurous and are coming in by kayak; access can be made at our western river access that is located across and just downstream from VA DWR’s public boat landing. Many of our trails and projects are still being developed, so keep coming back to watch us grow. We currently have over 4 miles of marked trails. Several of our trails are deadhead trails so depending on where you are at, you may have to double-back the way you came and walk along Englewood Road to circle back to the parking area or you can jump onto one of the other trails connecting you back. Please help us “leave no trace” and take care of our trails by following the posted rules and by keeping your four-legged friends on their leash. To help us be good neighbors, all our boundaries are blazed in yellow. Please stay within those marked areas. Enjoy and be safe! TRAIL MAP Address: Upper parking - 1504 Englewood Road, Galax, Virginia, 24333 Lower parking (trail head access) - 2140 Englewood Road, Galax, Virginia, 24333 Trails are OPEN! PDF TRAIL MAP OUR TRAILS Charlotte's Way (blue ) > (1.75-miles from parking area to Englewood Road) it begins at our trailhead parking area and runs along a white pine lined ridge and then slopes down into a shaded cove of tall basswoods, beech, birch and yellow poplar. Leaving the cove, The trail opens to our meadow along the river. Turning east the trail narrows and cuts along a path through boulders, buckeyes and northern red oak. Coming out of the boulders, the trail widens again and follows an old road back into another cove of mixed hardwoods and alone one of our many cool spring branches. Leaving the tall hardwoods, the trail opens to old narrow pasture fields that lead back to the top of the hill where the trail ends at our green gate. If you prefer not to double back to the park area the way you came, you can exit to the left of the gate and then turn on Englewood Road for a short 0.1-mile hike bike down to the parking area. Charlotte's Way is our main trail and most of our trails connect to it. (Easy to moderate trail) Dickenson (red) > (1.0-miles from Charlotte's Way to the New River) Dickenson begins on Charlotte's Way near the parking area. The trail leads down through mixed hardwoods and by our woodland pond, then turns back into mixed oak-hickory hardwoods. Keep an eye out for the bear tree at the top of the next hill (claw marks on large Fraser magnolia). When you reach the top, you will pass through a wooden walk-through gate and enter one of our 17 pasture paddocks on the Farm & Forest. Please leave gates closed to help us keep our cattle from hiking the trails. The trail re-enters the woods about 200' from where you entered the pasture (look for the red blazed post and the next walk-through gate). Here the trail is narrow as you pass through the tall yellow popular and continue through the pines. The trail arches back up the ridge where it meets up with Philen's Point Trail. To the left Dickenson continues but is not the same gentle trail you started on. From here pack a lunch as the trail starts its journey to the river down a steep old logging trail overlooking the water as you go. The trail has a slight zigzag as you go into and out of the watershed and then a final decline to the New River between two iconic cliffs and across from the mouth of Elk Creek. There are no outlets here so be ready to make the steep climb back out. (Moderate 1st half to hard 2nd half) Philen Point (green) > (0.3 miles from the fork with Dickenson to the Point) Beginning at the intersection with Dickenson, the trail follows the ridgeline overlooking the New River as you go. The trail twists through older growth hardwoods, white pines, and eastern hemlocks until the trail ends at the Point. (Future picnic and lookout spot.) From here you can look up and down the New River with views of Riverside. (This is a deadhead trail and requires you to double back to connect to the other trails) (Easy to moderate trail) Icy's Loop (orange) > (0.6-miles from Charlotte Way's first cove then back to Charlotte's Way at the river meadow) The trail begins in the cove and crosses two woodland streams as it climbs up and over one of our river bluffs and then follows the river ridge above Charlotte's Way. The last section becomes steeper just before it connects back to Charlotte's Way along the river. (Moderate trail) Over the hill Trail (green) > (0.5-miles from Dickenson Trail to Englewood Road) It begins where Dickenson Trail meets our woodland pond. From there you will follow a steeply sloped roadbed through planted eastern white pine to the top of the hill where the trail comes to one of our walk-through gates and you will enter a pasture field. The next walk-through gate is located about 100' across the field where you will enter one of our managed hardwood stands. Passing down through the hardwoods you will come to an area where old pasture fields were planted into eastern white pine to prevent erosion. The trail ends at Englewood Road and across from our red barn. To return to the parking area, turn left and walk up the hill to the parking area (about 0.5-miles). (Moderate trail) Herb's Pass (white) > (0.1-miles from Philen Point to Charlotte's Way) Begins about halfway down Philen Point and leads you down to Charlotte's Way just before it reaches the river meadow. This is a short connector trail. (Moderate) Diamond Spur (orange)> (0.25 miles) (Easy to moderate trail) FARM & FOREST RULES Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Open Everyday Hike in or kayak access ONLY Fishing allowed with VA DWR license (New River access ONLY. Absolutely NO fishing in ponds) Pack it in pack it out (clean up all trash) No mountain biking No horseback riding No ATVS or motorized vehicles Stay on marked trails ONLY No camping No overnight parking No parking allowed at unauthorized gates or entrances Dogs must be on a leash at all times No campfires Alcohol prohibited Hunting prohibited Please do not disturb the cattle

ABOUT US We work with the people who work the land. Soil and Water Conservation District across the Commonwealth of Virginia assist landowners with the development and implementation of conservation practices. These conservation practices are installed through cost-share and tax credit programs that focus on water quality improvement and environmental stewardship. Not only do these practices improve our local environment, the installation and proper management of conservation practices help to improve farm operational profitability. ABOUT SWCD'S Soil and Water Conservation Districts are self-governed subdivisions of state government. The 46 districts across Virginia are funded primarily through the local government appropriations, fund-raising projects, and state, federal and private grants. Their leaders, called directors, are locally elected citizens who set priorities, guide and direct work, activities and programs for the district personnel. Conservation district directors are not paid. Because conservation districts are citizen-directed organizations, they are practical partners to coordinate local, state, and federal watershed initiatives to protect natural resources and enhance water quality. Conservation district personnel encourage good stewardship by helping individuals manage the soil, water, air, plants, and animals so their watershed can sustain them for generations to come. Healthy watersheds balance the needs of people, the land and natural resources, providing for stable economies that enable people to enjoy a quality of life. OUR HISTORY The New River Soil and Water Conservation District was first established because of referendum held in June 1940, in Carroll and Grayson Counties. On December 30th, 1943, Floyd County was added to the District. Boundaries were changed again in 1972 when Floyd County withdrew. In 1975, the City of Galax successfully petitioned the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Commission to join the New River SWCD. The latest change in the District happened on August 26, 1944, when the Commission was petitioned to form a single-county district. Today the New River District is made up of Carroll and Grayson Counties and the City of Galax and includes all the land within their borders; an area approximately 615,820 acres. Forestland accounts for approximately 281,550 acres, pastureland for 173,400 acres, and cropland for 128,000 acres. CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE Citizens rely on their local soil and water conservation districts for help in many ways: developing and overseeing implementation of comprehensive plans for efficient production and good stewardship of natural resources, such as reducing soil erosion and managing nutrients and pesticides helping residents identify community watershed pollution problems that involve local interests providing financial assistance for installing Best Management Practices (BMP's) on agricultural and forest lands offering low-cost rental of equipment such as no-till seeders to encourage conservation practices participating environmental education via weeklong summer conservation camp; Envirothon (National environmental competition for high school students at state level); field days/demonstrations to professionals, homeowners, and outreach projects with schools to help students become environmentally aware, action-oriented adults coordinating public participation in natural resource issues OUR PARTNERSHIPS Conservation districts receive help from many partners by way of technical and administrative assistance which, in turn, allows them to better serve their communities. The New River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of both Grayson and Carroll Counties, as well as the City of Galax. The District's overall objective is to ensure that every acre of land is treated according to its capabilities. This not only includes farm uses, but urban and industrial as well. These objectives are carried out by encouraging every farm to have a conservation plan, and every county and town to adopt and carry out Virginia's Erosion and Sediment Control Program. New River Soil and Water Conservation District will work towards these objectives through education, evaluation of Erosion and Sediment Controls plans, farm planning, and the BMP Cost-Share Program. We will continue to work in these areas to meet our goal of improving our environment and the conservation of our natural resources. Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) A non-governmental association of conservation districts and their directors that offers capacity-building support through awards, educational activities, and promotional and marketing assistance. The association provides districts a voice in state and federal processes. Please click here to visit Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts' webpage. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) This state agency is the lead nonpoint-source pollution control agency for the Commonwealth; its soil and water conservation programs are committed to protecting water quality throughout Virginia. Please click here to visit Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's webpage. Virginia Cooperative Extensions (VCE) Affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, locally employed staff carry out the schools' primary missions of education and research. Most conservation district boards have VCE representation. Please click here to visit Virginia Cooperation Extension's webpage. Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) The VDOF is charged with the protection of the forest resources from fire. The principle goals of the Forest Protection Program are to prevent injury or loss of human life, minimize property damage and protect resources. The Department also provides technical assistance to private landowners to assist them in managing their forest land for forest products, water quality, protection of threatened and endangered species, historic resources and wildlife habitat; provides marketing and utilization assistance to forest industry and provides technical assistance in managing state owned lands of other agencies. Please click here to visit Virginia Department of Forestry's webpage. Soil and water conservation districts work with local government and various civic, community, and conservation organizations. These groups provide districts financial and staff support, while looking to districts to provide unbiased information concerning local land-use and water quality issues.

About New River Soil & Water Conservation District About New River Soil & Water Conservation District About New River Soil & Water Conservation District About New River Soil & Water Conservation District About New River Soil & Water Conservation District We work with the people who work the land. We work with the people who work the land. We work with the people who work the land. We work with the people who work the land. We work with the people who work the land. Soil and Water Conservation District across the Commonwealth of Virginia assist landowners with the development and implementation of conservation practices. These conservation practices are installed through cost-share and tax credit programs that focus on water quality improvement and environmental stewardship. Not only do these practices improve our local environment, the installation and proper management of conservation practices help to improve farm operational profitability. Soil and Water Conservation District across the Commonwealth of Virginia assist landowners with the development and implementation of conservation practices. These conservation practices are installed through cost-share and tax credit programs that focus on water quality improvement and environmental stewardship. Not only do these practices improve our local environment, the installation and proper management of conservation practices help to improve farm operational profitability. Soil and Water Conservation District across the Commonwealth of Virginia assist landowners with the development and implementation of conservation practices. These conservation practices are installed through cost-share and tax credit programs that focus on water quality improvement and environmental stewardship. Not only do these practices improve our local environment, the installation and proper management of conservation practices help to improve farm operational profitability. Soil and Water Conservation District across the Commonwealth of Virginia assist landowners with the development and implementation of conservation practices. These conservation practices are installed through cost-share and tax credit programs that focus on water quality improvement and environmental stewardship. Not only do these practices improve our local environment, the installation and proper management of conservation practices help to improve farm operational profitability. Soil and Water Conservation District across the Commonwealth of Virginia assist landowners with the development and implementation of conservation practices. These conservation practices are installed through cost-share and tax credit programs that focus on water quality improvement and environmental stewardship. Not only do these practices improve our local environment, the installation and proper management of conservation practices help to improve farm operational profitability. LEARN ABOUT LOCAL WATERSHEDS The New River SWCD contains four watersheds: New River-Chesnut Creek, New River-Elk Creek, Little Reed Island Creek and the Yadkin River. The map below shows the different watersheds that are in Virginia. WHAT IS A WATERSHED? A watershed is an area of land that drains or sheds water to a certain given body of water such as a river, lake, bay, or ocean. Water flow from land can also move underground through groundwater aquifers. Every stream and smaller river flows into a specific place eventually creating the larger bodies of water. Everyone lives in a watershed; therefore, it is significantly important that we protect all waterways. LEARN ABOUT WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR WATERSHED: Excess Runoff Waste Management Maintain Septic System A major threat to water quality is an excess amount of nutrients or debris in the water. Precipitation causes erosion leading to runoff in the water. This causes harmful waste in our water sources. A few ways to prevent excess runoff from your property is buffer areas, rain barrels, rain gardens, & proper drainage systems. Improper waste practices can pollute the water causing unsuitable water quality. It affects the ecosystem for fish as well as our daily drinking water and water activities. Pick up pet/livestock waste and properly dispose of it. Work with your local conservation district to learn if your eligible for cost-share and how to best handle livestock waste. The efficacy of a septic system might be decreased if excess sewage enters the drain field due to improper operation (waste in sink & toilet including harmful chemicals, grease, oil). Hazardous wastewater may then permeate into surrounding water sources without any obvious signs. Contaminating the water that we as humans use. It is very important to maintain a septic system and to properly fix the system if issues occur. If you’d like more information about protecting your local watershed, get in touch today. GET IN TOUCH

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Our educational programs aim to help people of all ages to understand and appreciate our natural resources as well as learn to conserve and maintain those resources for future generations. These programs provide structured activities that can target different age groups. NRSWCD also aims to encourage its participants to use knowledge gained from its educational programs on a personal level and help them to use our natural resources wisely on their own. If you don't see a program below that you are interested in participating in, please leave a note on the c ontact form . Field Trips NRSWCD will coordinate a natural resources field day for your school or classroom utilizing various resource professionals within the area. Any corresponding activities can be done either on-campus or off-site upon request. Now Available! Take a Field Trip to a local stream to evaluate water quality using the Izaak Walton League of America's Save Our Streams program. Field Trip Topics Include: I Watersheds I Lake Ecology I Forestry/Trees I Wildlife I Maps (Topography) I Soils I In-Class Opportunities The following programs are geared towards classroom settings, but can be also done outside/off-site upon request. Enviroscape Through the use of the EnviroScape tabeltop model, students will learn the impact that humans can have on our natural resources with a hands-on approach demonstration. Students will understand the concept of a watershed, where point-source and nonpoint-source pollution originates, and what management practices can be implemented to prevent pollution. The discussion and demonstration can be modified to meet the needs of grades 2-12. Soils A variety of activities that will help students know more about soil. Activities include run-off tables to show erosion, soil properties, soil's ability to support life, etc. Project WET and Project WILD These are both Curriculum and Activity Guides for grades K-12. WET is a collection of hands-on, water related activities. WILD is an interdisciplinary environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. Project WET 1/30 Project Learning Tree (PLT) This program is a Curriculum and Activity Guide for grades K-8 and four high school modules. PLT uses the forest as a "window on the world" to increase students' understanding of our complex environment. Earth Day Local area second grade classes participate in the annual Earth Day Field Day event held at the Matthews Estate. The field days are sponsored by the New River SWCD and the Virginia Department of Forestry. The activities are correlated with the Virginia second grade SOL's and cover topics from natural resource conservation to forestry, wildlife habitats, the foodchain, the water cycle, plant life, and much more. Please contact us via the contact page if you are an educator and would like to participate in the Earth Day program. 2024 Earth Day Earth Day Smokie the Bear Earth Day Nature Hike/ Wildlife 2024 Earth Day 1/49 Envirothon Envirothon Envirothon Envirothon Testing Envirothon 1/15 The Virginia Envirothon is a natural resources competition for high school students. Students who participate learn about stewardship and management concepts as well as work to solve real and hypothetical environmental problems. The program is field-oriented and gives students an opportunity to work with natural resource professionals. Teams compete at the local and regional level in the early spring to win a spot in the Virginia Envirothon. The top three teams from the region are eligible for a two-day state competition held in May. The winner of the state competition goes to the national Canon Envirothon in late July. Teams are made up of five students in 9th through 12th grades. Throughout the school year students prepare for competition with a coach, usually a teacher or natural resource professional in the community. Students are tested on their knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatics, and the current environmental topic. Students visit five "in-the-field" test stations where written and hands-on problem solving is required along with an oral presentation formulating a strategy for addressing an environmental issue. The event is competitive, but education is the bottom line. Please contact us via the contact page if you are an educator and would like to participate in the Envirothon program.