Ohoopee River SWCD

05/01/2026

GACD Group 4 Elects Vice Presidents

At their Group Meeting on April 30th, 2026, members of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) elected Michael Raulerson of Pierce County as GACD Group 4 Vice-President, and Eddy Turner of Washington County as GACD Group 4 Alternate Vice-President. They will each serve two year terms and represent the Southeast area of the state on the GACD Board.

Michael Raulerson was appointed to the Satilla River Soil and Water Conservation District in 2022. Michael was born and raised in Bacon County on a cattle and row crop farm where he showed registered Polled Herefords at the local, state, and national level. He received an AS from Valdosta State College and was hired in 1991 as an Air Traffic Controller with the FAA. Michael retired in 2015 from the FAA and returned to Blackshear and purchased his grandfather’s farm. His family currently raises boar goats, commercial cattle, and farms 180 acres of hay. Conservation practices are currently being utilized on his farm and he also assists others in the community with their projects.

Eddy Turner was appointed to the Central Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District board in 2023. Eddy is a lifelong resident of Washington county. Married to Ruthi Turner with grown children Trey, Mac and Shelley and four grandchildren. He is a member of First Baptist Church of Sandersville serving as Deacon and adult Sunday School teacher. He currently owns and operates a commercial hay business on a family farm supplying premium quality hay for horse and grass fed beef markets. Eddy was nominated as GACD’s Conservationist of the Year in 2025.

The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership, and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, visit the organization online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook .

04/16/2026

For Georgia's High School Students!
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01/29/2026

OHOOPEE RIVER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR POSTER CONTEST

January 29th, 2026 —The Ohoopee River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), a local agency dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of the area’s natural resources, is now accepting entries for their Poster Contest for students located within the District’s service area. The service area includes Emanuel, Montgomery, Toombs, Treutlen and Wheeler Counties. Education is a critical element of the conservation effort at the local, state and national levels. Educating young people about the benefits of conservation helps to ensure the next generation will be wise stewards of America’s natural resources.
The annual Poster Contest provides public, private and homeschooled students in Kindergarten thru 12th grades the chance to have their art selected to advance on to the state contest. Prizes will be awarded for the top three winners in each age category. Each year, the poster topic reflects National Association of Conservation District’s annual Stewardship theme and highlights the work of Conservation Districts to protect and enhance natural resources. This year’s theme is “Soil. Where it all begins” highlights the essential role of both natural and managed habitats in our conservation efforts. The deadline to enter the contest is March 27th, 2025.
Find more details at Ohoopee River Conservation District — Georgia Association of Conservation Districts

11/25/2025

There is no better way to celebrate the Christmas season than with a Georgia Grown Christmas Tree!

Check out Georgia Grown's Christmas Tree Farm Map with nearly 100 Christmas Tree farms across the state. https://bit.ly/GGChristmasTreeMap25

08/29/2025

GACD Names Annual 2025 Award Recipients
The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) held their annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 during their Annual Meeting to honor and award those individuals who have gone above and beyond to further conservation efforts for our state.

Conservationist of the Year
Every year, GACD recognizes farmers and landowners that are conducting exemplary conservation work on their land and have demonstrated a strong commitment to soil and water conservation through their land stewardship, outreach and community interactions, and/or education. The recipient of GACD’s 2025 Conservationist of the Year award is Herbert Hodges. Herbert Hodges, an ordained minister who practices what he preaches and shares the good news of his heart, is also a strong conservation advocate who helps connect minority landowners to resources to achieve their conservation goals. Over the years, the Hodges family has hosted many groups to teach climate resilient land management techniques that reduce wildfire risk, sequester carbon emissions, and provide for a healthier and more diverse wildlife population. With assistance from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), longleaf pines were established on his farm in which he has since partnered with National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and NRCS Georgia to transform his farm into a “model farm” and provide mentorship to fellow landowners, specifically minority landowners. He has worked closely with NWF, NRCS, Pine Country RC&D, Georgia Forestry Commission, Ohoopee River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), The Longleaf Alliance, the GA Heirs Property Law Center, Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources, and many other groups to host workshops and to develop a first-of-its kind curriculum titled "Longleaf and the Landowner”, a 3-day Longleaf Academy tailored to the minority landowner experience and history. Mr. Hodges is committed to long-term sustainable forestry and wildlife management for himself, his family, and other landowners in the community and region. He was nominated for this award by the Ohoopee River Conservation District. Congratulations to Herbert Hodges!

08/20/2025

07/29/2025

Field days coming up!

07/22/2025

Spotted Lanternflies might look cool, but these invasive pests are a serious threat to our trees and crops. If you spot one, squash it immediately! Every kill helps protect our environment. Let's work together to stop them from spreading! Learn more 👉 https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/slf

07/22/2025

🌼🐝 Pollinators, Stories & Sweet Treats! 🦋🍓
Today, GACD and GSWCC teamed up for an exciting and educational pollinator program at the Wheeler County Library!

GACD’s Southeast Regional Program Manager, Katelyn Poppell, read “The Great Pollinator Count” and led a fun discussion on the importance of pollinators in our environment. GSWCC’s Miki Smith followed up with a magical butterfly release — featuring butterflies the kids learned about just two weeks ago!

To top it all off, everyone enjoyed a festive red, white, and blue fluff dip made with fresh, locally grown strawberries and blueberries. 🍓🫐❤️💙