Preservation and protection of natural resources can be achieved through many technical, financial and educational programs.  The Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program encourages landowners to preserve the land by keeping it in working farms.

TECHNICAL/FINANCIAL SERVICES:
Technical assistance is provided to individuals, groups, or corporations on soil and water related concerns. We assist the farming community on: cropland management, pasture management, installation of Best Management Practices (BMP's) to protect soil from eroding and improve water quality, planning and implementation of practices for compliance with the Food Security Act, animal waste utilization plans and certification for compliance with the Division of Water Quality's .0200 regulations for confined animal operations.

Technical and financial assistance are available for installing BMP's through the North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program (NCACSP) to improve water quality on agricultural lands. The Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) provides assistance to individuals, businesses, schools, parks, churches and civic and community groups for installing water quality BMPs on urban, suburban and rural lands.  The federal Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) provide technical and financial assistance to landowners to address environmental concerns and . BMP's which may be cost-shared through one of these programs include: animal waste management systems, chemical mixing and handling facilities, critical area stabilization, backyard wetlands and rain gardens, cisterns, diversions, field borders, filter strips, grassed waterways, stock trails, stream crossings, stripcropping, spring developments, watering tanks, wells and fencing streambanks.

We work with numerous state, federal, and local agencies and organizations to protect our natural resources.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS PROVIDED:
Educational Contests: Contests offered in the categories of: 5th Grade Poster, 6th Grade Essay, 7th and 8th Grade Speech competitions at school, county, area, and state levels.

County, Area, State, and National Envirothon Competitions: Environmental Educational events in which middle and high school teams attend outdoor stations and compete in the area of soils, aquatics, wildlife, forestry, and current environmental issues.

Resource Conservation Workshop: Two or more high school students are sponsored to attend NC State University for one week in June for classes and college orientation, with field trips in the study of natural resources.

Down to Earth Teacher Workshop: Offered each summer to teachers and other environmental educators, focusing on environmental concerns and solutions. Renewal credits may be earned.

Soil and Water Stewardship Week: Materials are provided to local churches, libraries, and organizations for promoting stewardship of our earth.

Scout programs/Day Camp, Agricultural Fairs and Environmental Field Days: Provided upon request.