From board members to farmer cooperators, volunteers are the foundation of a successful SWCD

When I think about conservation, I think about volunteers.

Soil and water conservation districts were founded on a simple but powerful belief: conservation works best when it’s voluntary and locally led. The idea was straightforward — local leadership would help determine the priorities and programs that best fit their county and offer support for voluntary conservation practices and programs

But our farmer cooperators aren’t the only volunteers. Our board members—the people who govern our district—are volunteers, too. Ashland SWCD is led by a five-member, publicly elected board of supervisors. They are unpaid, they are local, and they volunteer their time to guide the direction of conservation in our county.

Our board adopts policies, approves budgets, sets priorities, and provides oversight for district programs. They represent us at area and state meetings. They advocate for agriculture and natural resources. They listen to community concerns and help ensure our programs remain practical and relevant.

Because here’s the truth: voluntary conservation only succeeds when there is trust, and trust is built at the local level.

When a cooperator walks into our office asking about cover crops, grazing plan, nutrient management, or cost-share opportunities, they know the direction of our district isn’t being decided by someone far removed from daily farm life. It’s shaped by a board made up of local residents who understand our soils, our weather, and our agricultural community. That matters.

This year out board chairman Justin Ringler was named the 2025 Outstanding Board Member of the Year. That recognition reflects not only Justin’s leadership, but the importance of engaged, volunteer supervisors across the state. Justin has served on our board since 2017 and as chair since 2020. He has helped guide the district through program expansion, new funding opportunities, and the ever-changing landscape of conservation initiatives. But what makes his leadership meaningful is that it extends beyond board meetings.

He hosts trainings at his family’s farm. He enrolls his own acres in conservation programs. He attends district events. He invests time in educating the next generation of conservationists. He believes in leading by example. That is what voluntary leadership looks like.

And it’s why our upcoming supervisor election matters. We are officially kicking off our 2026 Ashland SWCD supervisor election process, with Chairman Ringler leading our nominating committee. The committee’s role is to identify qualified individuals who are willing to serve as volunteer SWCD board members or “supervisors.”

Serving as a supervisor is not ceremonial;  it’s “get your hards dirty.” meaningful work. Supervisors help identify priority conservation programs for Ashland County. They guide grant applications. They support staff trainings to provide high-quality technical assistance.

They also safeguard the principle that conservation here remains voluntary — not mandated from afar, but shaped by local priorities and community values. In a time when many decisions feel distant and disconnected, soil and water conservation districts remain one of the most grassroots forms of local government. Our supervisors are elected by the public. They answer to their neighbors. And they volunteer because they care deeply about the land and water resources that sustain our county.

Voluntary conservation depends on voluntary leadership. If you believe in keeping conservation local, if you value practical solutions built on cooperation rather than compulsion, I encourage you to participate in this year’s election — whether by voting, encouraging someone to run, or considering candidacy yourself. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, here are some key dates to keep in mind:

• August 31 – The Nominating Committee submits its recommended candidates.
• September 10 – Individuals who were not nominated may submit a petition to have their name placed on the ballot.
• October 15 through November 13 – Voting period for the 2026 Ashland SWCD supervisor election.

Conservation doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because local people choose to step forward. In Ashland County, they always have — and with your involvement, they always will.