| FROM THE PRESIDENT Becky Fletcher, ARCSE President It’s hard to believe that summer is ending and the ARCSE Aug. 4th annual meeting is over. What a great time we had in Costa Mesa at the Annual SWCS Conference. Although the numbers were down this year, there was a warm camaraderie among attendees. It was good to reconnect with our friends and colleagues. The conference theme, “Conservation Coast to Coast” allowed for a wide range of topics about soil health, regenerative agriculture, water supply, quality and management, erosion control, community and outreach efforts, and more. The interesting and informative sessions during the day were followed by time with exhibitors and poster presenters, and evening receptions on the hotel terraces with cool ocean breezes. Thirty-seven members and guests joined us in person or via Zoom for the annual meeting. We were pleased to have State Conservationist Carlos Suarez welcome us and give us an overview of the challenges of managing southern California’s water supply, delivery and use for agriculture. New this year was our first-ever symposium. We collaborated with Women in NRCS (WiN) to talk about the importance of senior mentors for NRCS employees. We had a good discussion and gained insights into possible next steps. Special thanks to Cheryl Simmons, Craig Derickson, Paul Benedict, Jack Carlson and Julie MacSwain for their help in organizing these events. Congratulations to our 2024–25 award winners. I don’t think we’ve ever had so many. Bill Kuenstler and Rev. Dr. Clifford Jones received the community service award. Melvin Womack, Donna Beggs, and Craig Derickson received the President’s Meritorious Service Award. And Dick Gooby, Cheryl Simmons, and Don Stettler received the President’s Distinguished Service Award. Please read more about these awards in the newsletter. We had so much fun working with our interns this year – Chloe Haymaker and Ismael De Lara. Under Courtney Allen’s leadership, they accomplished their work plan tasks and helped out during the annual meeting. We are grateful to have this opportunity to support interns who in turn plan activities for students at the conference each year and assist with our communications and marketing efforts. I have to say I felt a bit overwhelmed when Julie bequeathed me the ceremonious gavel (through Cheryl) on August 4th. We have a lot of momentum going thanks to these two leaders, and I want to be sure we stay on task, moving forward. We have started the year with a new plan of work that follows the strategic plan we developed a couple of years ago. With the success of last year’s membership drive we plan to do another – starting now! We will also be continuing our work with our partnership MOUs with the NRCS mentoring program and New Solutions Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services program. In closing, I want to thank Arnold King, Donna Beggs and Melvin Womack who are leaving the board after years of dedicated leadership. They have been publicly acknowledged for their service, but I want them to know that they will be greatly missed. Wherever you are, enjoy the fall season and stay connected. |
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