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

PHOTO GALLERY Take a look at what the New River Soil and Water Conservation District has been up to! 2025 2025 2023 Chainsaw Safety Training 2025 1/133 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!

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VOLUNTEER The Earth Team is NRCS’ volunteer workforce that is making a difference in every county in the nation. NRCS works with private landowners to improve soil quality, conserve water, improve air quality and enhance wildlife habitat. Earth Team volunteers work side-by-side with conservation professionals and are an integral part of the conservation partnership. Earth Team offers many opportunities for people who are interested in volunteering to improve the nation’s natural resources. People who are 14 years of age and older can volunteer. Volunteers can work part-time or full-time, work outdoors or inside a local NRCS office, individually or as a group. Let’s Work Together Download and fill out the Earth Team application if interested. Please email the application or bring by the District office. Earth Team Application Email: tgoodson.newriver@gmail.com 200 Jacks Orchard Rd. Galax, VA 2433 Name Subject Email Type your message here Send Thanks for submitting!

WORK WITH US WORK WITH US VOLUNTEER Below are some of the ways you can get involved with New River Soil and Water Conservation District! For more information, feel free to contact NRSWCD on our Contact page . INTERNSHIPS EMPLOYMENT VOLUNTEER 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 an Earth Day volunteer EMPLOYMENT Coordinate a natural resources field day for your school or classroom! Field day activities can be done in class or off-site. Contact the NRSWCD office today to coordinate an event. Read more about employment opportunities INTERNSHIPS Coordinate a natural resources field day for your school or classroom! Field day activities can be done in class or off-site. Contact the NRSWCD office today to coordinate an event. Read more about Internship opportunities

Welcome to New River Hill Farm & Forest About Trail Map & Rules

There are no vacant positions at NRSWCD at this time. The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Learn How We Can Help The New River Soil and Water Conservation District works directly with landowners to design conservation plans and practices that are tailored to each owner's needs. LEARN MORE Please view the video below, in which a landowner discusses the environmental and financial advantages of collaborating with their local Soil and Water Conservation District on conservation practices. DCRVirginia. (2021, August 10). Conservation at Bellevue Farm [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WL-qOsZ7Ac

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 February Minutes

OUR BOARD MEMBERS Cindy Webb Treasurer J.D. Testerman Director Kevin Kirk Director David Frazier Chairperson Mike Rhudy Vice Chairperson Gary Boring Secretary Email tgoodson.newriver@gmail.com Call (276) 601-6163 Follow

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