The 2024 Farm Family of the Year Award goes to the Barham family. The Barham family has farmed in Wake County over multiple generations. Bennie Barham and his son Blake manage over 2,000 acres of farmland in both Wake and Franklin counties growing soybeans, tobacco, wheat, canola, cucumbers and more.

Over the years, Wake Soil and Water has assisted Barham Family Farms on multiple projects including installing cover crops annually, countless acres of field borders, diversions and grassed waterways.

The Barham Family Farm is truly deserving of this award for their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. They consistently work with our conservationists to implement best management practices that help reduce soil erosion, non-point source pollution and nutrient runoff. One notable example of their dedication is their decision to replace a traveling gun irrigation system with a more efficient center-pivot system. This upgrade, funded entirely out of their own pocket, was made in response to advice from our technical staff. The new system not only conserves water but also improves efficiency and availability on the farm, further reducing their environmental impact.

The time, effort and commitment that Barham Family Farms have put into implementing conservation practices on their farm is incredible. Their dedication to the stewardship and protection of farmland will provide endless water quality benefits to the residents of Wake County.

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. This year’s award goes to Julie Hall, a longtime friend and advocate of the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District.

Julie Hall is a passionate Environmental Educator who believes environmental education creates innovative learning experiences and engages young people in the world around them in meaningful ways. She is a member of the Environmental Educators of NC organization and serves on the Wake Green Schools Partnership.

In May 2024, Julie made a significant financial donation through the Fidelity Charitable Donor-Advised Fund to the Sheila B. Jones Environmental Education Scholarship, in honor of retired Environmental Educator Sheila Jones. Julie’s donation made it possible for the scholarship committee to award an additional scholarship in 2024.

This year, Wake County is proud to honor Joanie Bowden with the Farmland Preservation Outstanding Advocate Award for her strong support and advocacy for the Wake County Voluntary Agricultural District Program.

In 2024, the Wake County Voluntary Agricultural District program has seen record enrollment, adding over 60 farms, equating to more than 4,000 acres of newly enrolled farmland making its most successful year in the history of the program.

A key to the success of the program is having other farmers advocate for its benefits. Joanie can attest to the value of the program, as her family’s bicentennial farm is enrolled in the VAD program, and she serves as the Vice-Chair of the Wake Agricultural Advisory Board, so she understands the rules and requirements.

This year, Wake County Big Sweep is honored to celebrate Heidelberg Materials as our Partner of the Year, recognizing their exceptional commitment and invaluable partnership over the past 13 years. Heidelberg has been a keystone in Wake County Big Sweep’s mission to preserve and enhance our waterways, consistently stepping up to support our initiatives with unmatched dedication.

Their contributions go far beyond the norm. Heidelberg Materials has provided essential staff support, meals for volunteers and expertly facilitated logistics for cleanups, ensuring that every event runs smoothly. Most impressively, their recent donations—a custom caged trailer for equipment storage and transportation, along with six canoes, ten kayaks, paddles, life vests and trailer signage—highlight their deep commitment to the cause and significantly bolster Big Sweep’s operational capabilities. These enhancements empower us to perform independently and will sustain our initiatives for years to come. Heidelberg Material’s passion for environmental stewardship and community well-being is truly inspiring, making them an exceptional partner in every sense.

Wake County Soil and Water is thrilled to honor Clay Reichle with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for his extraordinary dedication, initiative and leadership within the Wake County Big Sweep program since 2018.

Clay has truly been a cornerstone of the watercraft sweeps, consistently going above and beyond in his efforts. Without hesitation, he leaps into action, always anticipating needs and coordinating logistics with remarkable foresight. Whether he’s setting up, organizing meals or getting his hands dirty in the creek, Clay embodies the spirit of service.

This year, Clay played a pivotal role in realizing our biggest aspiration: the generous donation of boats and a trailer from Heidelberg Materials. He was instrumental in initiating this project, diligently researching equipment options, and managing communications to turn this vision into reality. His tenacity and positive, can-do attitude inspire everyone around him.

We are immensely grateful for volunteers like Clay, whose dedication, alongside that of all our volunteers, creates lasting change in our community and we are proud to celebrate his exceptional contributions.

This year’s Wetlands are Wonderful Annual Conservation Poster Contest was a success, with many students from Wake County Elementary Schools taking part and showing off their artistic skills and knowledge of the environment. In the 5th grade category, Asher Deepak from Green Hope Elementary won 1st place. In the 4th grade category, Deetya Parimi from Highcroft Drive Elementary took 1st place, and in the 3rd grade category, Ashleigh Wuchter from Adams Elementary earned 1st place.

The winning posters will now be sent to the regional competition, where the students will have a chance to win more prizes and recognition for their great work in raising awareness about conservation.