Meet our Team: Vanessa Merriweather

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District has a lot of new faces, and a few you may recognize. We’ll be taking the next few weeks to introduce and re-introduce you to our wonderful team, share more about their role at the District, and a bit about each of them. First up in our Meet our Team series is Vanessa Merriweather. Vanessa joined the District in December of 2019 as a Conservation Technician. Vanessa graduated from Clemson with a degree in Environmental and Natural Resources in 2018, and worked with her local NRCS and FSA offices, as well as as a park ranger for the City of Columbia before joining the District. Vanessa relocated to Albany from her hometown in South Carolina to pursue her career in conservation. As a Conservation Technician, Vanessa works directly with local NRCS offices in supporting EQIP contract management, overseeing the District’s RCPP programs, and providing landowner and farmer outreach on conservation practices. Read our interview with Vanessa below!

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Where are you originally from?

Trenton, South Carolina

What impact to you hope to make as a part of the District?

I hope to change some people’s outlook on what conservation is for the better and really jumpstart my career as a conservationist.

What inspires you to work in conservation?

My love for conservation started when I was younger. I would always try to be outdoors even when the adults told us it was too hot to be running around (I didn’t listen). When I visited home from college, I really began to notice how the forests around my house were disappearing and changing. I wanted the same enjoyment that I gained from nature as a child to be available for generations after me.

If you were a common Georgia crop, what would it be?

I think that I would be a pecan. I make it a little tough to get to know me initially, and even after you get past the fist hard layer, there’s a bit of resistance. However, once you get to know me you come to realize what I’m protecting is worth the battle.

What could we find you doing on a typical Saturday afternoon?

On a Saturday afternoon, I could be found in my apartment tending to my miniature jungle of houseplants.

Anything else exciting that you’d like our supporters to know?

I’m super excited to be a part of the District family and make my mark here.