139: Conservation Is About Relationships

Ann English is a State Conservationist for the NRCS in South Carolina. She first began her career as an agronomist and soil conservationist. With over 26 years of experience as a conservationist, she is proud to work on the SFLR program and to help landowners navigate this sometimes confusing and very new industry. On the show, Ann shares the important work NRCS is doing to help guide landowners down the right path so that their land never becomes a burden to them.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] A message from Leadership Nature. [2:25] A quick intro about Ann's background. [4:00] How did Ann first get started in agronomy? [8:10] Ann shares how she first got introduced to SFLR. [14:00] What other services does the NRCS provide to landowners? [21:55] Ann shares a story of how the NRCS was able to help a landowner who recently inherited some heirs property. [22:55] What stops a landowner from reaching out for help? [27:35] The fourth generation doesn't have the same connection to the land as we do because they didn't grow up near the land. They do not have the same fond memories as we do. [29:25] The land should never be a burden to you. [30:00] What is Ann most proud of about the SFLR program? [32:15] Ann shares her top three pieces of advice for landowners!   Mentioned in This Episode: Website for the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities: Usendowment.org More information on the SFLR Program: Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program (SFLR) More information on USDA NRCS: Nrcs.usda.gov Nrcs.usda.gov — Ann English