FANNIN SWCD, JOAN SNIDER & MAKAGAN MITCHELL

HONORED AT AREA V AWARDS BANQUET

 The Fannin Soil and Water Conservation District was honored as Outstanding Conservation District for its contributions to the Texas Soil and Water conservation programs at a Conservation Awards Banquet for Area V in May. The banquet was held at Tarleton State University Student Development Center in Stephenville, TX. Those attending the awards ceremony from Fannin SWCD were C. W. Jones, Chairman, his wife Chloe, Billy Partridge, Vice Chairman, his wife Peggy, David Keene, member, and his wife Judy. Also attending from Fannin County was Randy Moore, District Conservationist with the USDA-NRCS, his wife Tina, Joe Ward, member of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, his wife Sandra, Joan Snider, Realtor, Makagan Mitchell and her parents Marlon and Traci Mitchell.

Joan Snider won first place for outstanding Business Professional for her contributions to conservation efforts. Joan is a very active conservationist and puts into practice what she believes. Joan volunteers at the Fannin SWCD where she is the Districts representative for the conservation team (USDA-NRCS, AgriLife Extension, and Texas Parks and Wildlife) that assist with the development and planning of the districts programs, activities and conservation programs for the year. She has put in many volunteer hours for the district in helping get ready for events and helping out in the booths that the district has at various events. Joan is active in Master Gardeners, Prairie and Timber Audubon chapter, The Fannin county Historical Commission, Friends of Lake Fannin, is a juried artist, and exhibits her pottery and jewelry at the Creative Arts Center in Bonham. Joan is a great asset for the conservation effort to protect our natural resources.

Makagan Mitchell made her second trip to the Area V awards as she placed third in the Conservation Essay Contest for youth 13 and under category. Last year her essay placed first.  Makagan is a fifth grader at Dodd City Elementary. She participates in livestock events such as judging, public speaking and exhibiting her registered Braford cattle and Boer goats. Makagan is active in Junior FFA and both the Texas and National Junior Braford Association. She also enjoys playing softball.

The Fannin Soil and Water Conservation District sponsors the Conservation Stewardship Essay and Poster Contests each year. Information for these contests is sent to all Fannin County Schools, and is on the districts website at www.fanninswcd.com . Information is also available at the AgraLife Extension office. The essay contest is open to youth 18 and younger with 2 categories, 14 and older and one for 13 and younger. The poster contest is for youth 12 and younger. The top three winners in each category receive a monetary award and each participant receives a certification of participation and a tree seedling.