Wake Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Awards

This year, we celebrate a family whose commitment to forestry goes far beyond the simple act of harvesting timber. This is a family that understands that being a steward of the land is about more than profit—it’s about balance, legacy and a deep respect for the land.

Alan and Susan Jones met while pursuing technical degrees in Wildlife Management at Haywood Technical Institute. Both shared a dream of someday owning a farm, but neither of them expected that to be here in Wake County.

Committed to conservation, they enrolled their farm in the Forest Stewardship Program, a certification that recognizes their dedication to managing their land for multiple benefits—including soil and water conservation, recreation, aesthetics, wildlife and timber production.

This year, they also enrolled in the Wake County Voluntary Agricultural District Program, further demonstrating their commitment to preserving agricultural land within our community. They have participated in conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program.

By using prescribed burning, selective thinning, native plant restoration, and actively engaging in practices such as establishing pollinator habitats, tree planting, brush management and conservation cover, they’ve created diverse habitats that support a wide range of species—from quail and wild turkey to flying squirrels, white-tailed deer, songbirds and native pollinators.

But, beyond the conservation practices and the policies, what truly sets Alan and Susan apart is their work ethic—their quiet, humble and unwavering dedication to the land. They work largely out of the spotlight, yet the positive impact of their stewardship is visible on every acre they touch.

In a time when rural land is under increasing pressure and the values of conservation can sometimes be overlooked, the Jones family stands as an example of what it means to care for something greater than oneself.

Alan and Susan Jones, we applaud your outstanding efforts and commitment to the great stewardship of our land and water resources. The Wake Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors is proud to recognize you as its 2025 Conservation Farm Family of the Year!

The 32-acre T.R. Johnson Farm in eastern Wake County is now permanently protected following the completion of an agricultural conservation easement that will preserve its pastures, woodlands and vital water resources for continued agricultural use.

The protection of Johnson Farm was made possible through a partnership between landowners Thurman and Jan Johnson, Triangle Land Conservancy and the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District Farmland Preservation Program.

The property features a mix of open pasture and hardwood forest, supports a small sheep operation and includes a pond and more than 2,000 linear feet of stream. The Wake Soil and Water Conservation District has confirmed that about 96% of the farm’s soils are classified as prime or of statewide importance, highlighting the land’s high agricultural value.

The Walton Farm, one of the last large working farms in Raleigh, is now permanently protected through a conservation easement made possible by a partnership between Walton Farm LLC, Triangle Land Conservancy and the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District Farmland Preservation Program.

The easement ensures that Walton Farm’s valuable farmland, open space and wildlife habitat will be preserved forever.

The 40-acre Walton Farm, the largest remaining undeveloped property between Umstead State Park and Schenck Forest, features two headwater streams that flow into Richland Creek. The land is used for small-scale livestock operations, including goats, and nearly 90 percent of its soils are classified as prime or of statewide importance.

The B.C. Raynor Friend of the District Award honors individuals, the business community and other conservation organizations for their remarkable contributions to the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District programs. Named after Dr. Bobby Carlyle Raynor, who grew up on a family farm in eastern North Carolina and later became a successful dentist in the Triangle, this award recognizes outstanding dedication. This year’s award goes to Heidelberg Materials, an invaluable partner of the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District since 2011.

Heidelberg Materials has been a cornerstone in Wake County Big Sweep’s mission to protect and enhance our waterways, consistently showing exceptional dedication and support. Their involvement goes far beyond what’s typical. From providing vital staff assistance and meals for volunteers to expertly managing event logistics, Heidelberg ensures every cleanup runs seamlessly.

What truly sets them apart is their generous donation of watercraft equipment—an incredible boost to our operations. This includes a custom caged trailer for storage and transport, six canoes, 10 kayaks, paddles, life vests and branded trailer signage. These resources significantly strengthen our ability to operate independently and will support our work for years to come.

We are deeply thankful to the entire Heidelberg Materials team, especially Daren McMorris, Jim Hilton and Clay Reichle, for their steadfast commitment and tireless efforts. Each member exemplifies a spirit of collaboration, always ready to contribute time, energy and resources to our shared cause. Their dedication to environmental stewardship and community building makes them an outstanding partner and friend.

Wake County Big Sweep is proud to announce the City of Raleigh Greenway Maintenance Team as our 2025 Big Sweep Partner of the Year, recognizing their outstanding commitment, collaboration and support in keeping our creeks and greenways clean and safe for all.

For several years, the Greenway Maintenance Team has gone above and beyond in their efforts to assist Wake County Big Sweep volunteers as they clean up local waterways. Their team ensures that volunteers can safely access the creeks by proactively removing downed trees, clearing debris and scouting new routes in advance of cleanups.

“Our cleanups often take us into hard-to-reach areas, and the Greenway Maintenance Team has never hesitated to lend a hand,” said Alex Heinemann, Coordinator for Wake County Big Sweep. “From hauling out thousands of pounds of trash to disposing of it responsibly and even weighing the totals, they help make every sweep a success.”

“We simply could not do what we do without their help,” added the Wake County Big Sweep Coordinator. “They are an invaluable part of our mission, and we are so honored to recognize them this year.”

Wake County Big Sweep is deeply grateful for the unwavering support and partnership of the City of Raleigh Greenway Maintenance Team and looks forward to many more years of working together to protect our natural resources.

Wake Soil & Water is thrilled to recognize Kathleen Neff and Glen Neff with this year’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, celebrating their exceptional dedication, passion and spirit of service within the Wake County Big Sweep program.

Kathleen and Glen have been active and enthusiastic participants in Big Sweep events for several years. Their consistent presence, hard work and positive energy have made a lasting impact—not only on the natural areas they help clean, but also on the volunteers around them.

“Whether it's helping new volunteers feel welcome, offering encouragement or bringing along family members to join the effort, Kathleen and Glen embody the spirit of community and environmental stewardship,” said Alex Heinemann, Coordinator for Wake County Big Sweep. “They don’t just show up—they lead by example.”

The Neffs’ ongoing commitment to giving back makes them standout volunteers. Their efforts are a powerful reminder that lasting change starts with individuals willing to step up, pitch in and inspire others to do the same.

Wake Soil & Water is proud to honor the Neffs and looks forward to continuing this important work together in the years ahead.