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After the devastating Dust Bowl of the 1930's the Soil Conservation Service was formed in 1935. Over the years, the agency evolved into the Division of Soil and Water Conservation. North Carolina is home to the first Soil and Water Conservation District, the Brown Creek Soil and Water Conservation District form in 1937 in Anson County.
The Durham Soil and Water Conservation District dates back to March 22, 1939. Originally it was one of five other Districts (Durham, Person, Orange, Granville, and Wake) that made up the Upper Neuse River Soil Conservation District. On February 2, 1965 the Durham District became an independent district. With tobacco revenue paying the way for the development of the City of Durham, the Duke Medical Center, and Duke University, the District played an important role as it worked with agricultural producers.
With increased urbanization starting in the 1970's the District responded with a diversification of projects and services. In the mid 80s, the District started reviewing Sediment and Erosion Control Plans. Conducting inventories and evaluations of residential homes, industries, shopping centers, etc. began to pick up in the late 80s.
Stream restorations became an item the District concentrated on in the 90's. Despite urbanization, the District was stronger than ever, having added an additional Soil Conservationist position in April of 1990 under the North Carolina Agricultural Cost Share Program as well as creating a Director position in August of 1991. Also during the 1990s, the District received several awards including: Piedmont Farm Family of the Year, two Area IV Farm Families of the Year, District of the Year, Outstanding Education Program of the Year, Employee of the Year, and several awards for Outstanding Media Coverage, just to name a few. In addition, Charles Ladd, who served on the District's Board of Supervisors from 1950-1982, was inducted into the North Carolina Conservation Hall of Fame.
Today the District is as active as ever. With several stream restoration projects underway, a growing environmental education program, and a diversification into community conservation, as well as our more traditional programs, the District has continued to grow. A Watershed Conservationist position was added in 2006 to respond to growing workload and areas of interest. |
