For over five decades, the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District has honored excellence in the conservation field with its annual awards, celebrating those who have made exceptional efforts to protect our natural resources. From environmental educators and century-long farm stewards to individuals dedicated to preserving and cleaning our environment, these awards highlight their remarkable accomplishments.
"These annual awards honor individuals whose commitment to conservation leaves a lasting impact for future generations,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “Each of them has worked tirelessly to create an environment that benefits us all and serves a greater good."
B.C. Raynor Friend of the District Award – Julie Hall
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.
Farm Family of the Year – Barham Family Farms LLC
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 County Soil and Water Conservation District 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. One notable example of their dedication is their decision to replace a traveling gun irrigation system with a more efficient center-pivot system. 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.
Patrick H. Johnson Farmland Preservation Award – Oaky Grove
This year's Farmland Preservation Award is presented to Oaky Grove, which is owned and managed by Talmage and Carol Brown. The Brown family has voluntarily agreed to place their 117-acre farm into the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District’s Farmland Preservation Program, which will ensure that the land remains a farm forever.
Oaky Grove is a member of the North Carolina Century Farm program and once comprised over 3,000 acres of land. In addition to the value of preserving the farm for its history and significance to the community, more than 99% of the farm's soils are considered prime farmland, holding statewide importance.
The Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District was proud to partner with Triangle Land Conservancy to preserve Oaky Grove through the Farmland Preservation Program.
Farmland Preservation Outstanding Advocate Award – Joanie Bowden
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.
Big Sweep Partner of the Year Award – Heidelberg Materials
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.
Big Sweep Outstanding Volunteer Award – Clay Reichle
Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District 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.
Poster Contest Winners
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.
