Clarendon Soil and Water welcome new conservationist; erect bench
Along with The City of Manning, The Clarendon Soil & Water Conservation District contributed to The Pocotaligo Boardwalk Restoration Project. The Clarendon Soil & Water Conservation District also donated an American made, Mount Airy granite bench to be utilized for all it’s visitors at the Pocotaligo Park. The granite bench is in recognition of the following individuals who graciously dedicated their time & effort in supporting the Pocotaligo River & Swamp Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration project: W D Harrington, Vicky Howell, Roy Todd, Billy Jackson, E.B. “Gene” McLeod.
Litza Y. Lopez Ramos is the District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) in Clarendon County. She has been with NRCS for 12 years. South Carolina is now one of five states along with Puerto Rico that she has had the pleasure of working in. The other states were Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, and California. Thanks to the opportunity to live in different states she has experienced working with different crops, landscapes, and conservation practices. She has enjoyed working with different farmers from different countries and ethnicities like, Punjabi, Vietnamese, Thai and Mexican.
Due to the pandemic she hasn’t be able to explore much around Clarendon County, but she is enjoying working with farmers specially learning about poultry operations and crops like cotton what is new for her. She is available to help Clarendon county farmers with any conservation activities to help them meet their goals.
Litza, along with her husband Josue D Gandia Rivera, were born and raised in Puerto Rico. Josue is the Sumter, NRCS District Conservationist. They have two beautiful children, Zahir and Zayden, and a dog named Clay. They enjoy camping and are ready to explore South Carolina in their travel trailer.
(Left: Samantha Rogers Coffey, District Manager) Samantha has been with the District since November 1, 2018. She believes in Conservation and loves her job as The District Manager of the Clarendon Soil & Water Conservation District. She enjoys working with all the producers, foresters, land owners and especially the elementary, middle & high schools of Clarendon County. “This job is a definite blessing to my daughter, Isabella & me.” Not only to I get to give back to the environment but I have the opportunity to teach children that you have to put a little work into the groceries you get.”
(Right: Vicky Howell, Commissioner) Mrs. Vicky Howell has been a Clarendon Soil & Water Conservation Commissioner since February 1, 1997 and still maintains a very active role within the District. She has not only dedicated her time as a Commissioner but she has been an avid supporter of the Clarendon Soil & Water Conservation District by being an Affiliate member. Mrs. Howell understands the importance of the relationship between the Conservation District and the producers of Clarendon County. Mrs. Vicky Howell is just one of the few dedicated individuals that played a key role in the Pocotaligo River & Swamp Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration project.
