Jones SWCD staff grows by two

     The USDA Service Center in Anamosa would like to welcome two new faces to their conservation staff.

     The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has hired Addie Manternach to serve as the new Soil Conservationist. Her duties will include conservation planning and program delivery throughout Jones County. She looks forward to working with landowners and producers to complete projects and solve conflicts affecting their farming operation or recreational activities.

     Addie received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Ecology and Agronomy at Iowa State University and previously worked in Benton County for four years. For Addie, conservation is a family tradition. Her father served as the District Conservationist in Grundy County for 38 years. Growing up in rural Eldora has given her a great appreciation for the land and an understanding of the effect conservation and preservation has on our natural resources.

     The Jones Soil and Water Conservation District also welcomes Michelle Turner as a part time conservationist employed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship – Division of Soil Conservation & Water Quality. Her position is contracted for 780 hours, part of which will be assisting other local SWCD employees as well as partner agency employees, including federal NRCS staff and state staff. Her duties will focus on providing technical assistance to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and to develop education and outreach activities.

     Michelle received her Bachelor Degree and Master Degree in Agriculture Education at Kansas State University, and previously worked in Jackson County as a Watershed Coordinator for fifteen years. Prior to that, she taught vocational agriculture in Florida and upstate New York. Michelle is anxious to meet with school and community groups to talk about the science of conservation and trending topics, such as soil health.

     To meet Addie and Michelle, or for more information about installing practices to aid in soil and water conservation, stop by our office in the USDA Service Center at 300 Chamber Drive in Anamosa, visit us at www.jonesswcd.org, or give us a call at 319-462-3196, ext. 3.