A Society for all conservationists

Excerpt

The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) was started in the early 1940s by a small group of soil conservation leaders. They foresaw the need for a professional association that could be the umbrella for all soil and water conservationists. “Acting on their convictions they set about the task of creating an association through which conservationist could increase their efficiency and effectiveness as leaders, improve their vocational competencies and their combined talents and influence in solving the problems facing conservation programs.” (Quote from “History — Soil and Water Conservation Society — Yearly Synopsis”)

The founders of SWCS realized that when we step away from our jobs to meet and talk with like minded conservationists, we each grow professionally. Here are a few intangible benefits that we each experience in this setting:

• We gain perspective (both personally and professionally).

• We learn about other people in related fields and employment.

• We see opportunities to work together.

• We feel renewed in our personal commitment.

I feel confident that the founders of the Soil Conservation Society of America, now the Soil and Water Conservation Society, envisioned that membership would be drawn from all levels of government, universities, national and local…