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# Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Tree Sale Species Announced!](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/tree-sale-species-announced/) - The 2027 Tree Sale species are: Flowering dogwood, Eastern redbud, Beautyberry, Red maple, Chestnut oak and Shortleaf pine! We will also add a meadow seed mix designed for partial shade (in addition to our usual mix)! For more information, contact Stephanie DeNicola at stephanied@culpeperswcd.org. Order form coming soon!
- [New Landowner Workshop 9/4/26](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/new-landowner-workshop-9-4-26/) - Whether you've recently purchased agricultural or forestland, recently moved onto your property, or simply want to learn more about the conservation resources available, this workshop is for you! The Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District will host its Fifth Annual New Landowner Workshop on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at

## Pages

- [Board Meeting Minutes](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/board-meeting-minutes/) - Below you will find approved Board meeting minutes for the last two years. For additional information, contact David Massie, FOIA Officer, at 540-825-8591. Freedom of Information (FOIA) requests contact District FOIA Officer David Massie at davidm@culpeperswcd.org. Click here for information related to FOIA. September 1, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes approved August 4, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes (updated)Approved Committee Meeting
- [Board of Directors](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/about-us/board/) - Lynn Graves, Chair Lynn Graves has been a Director representing Madison County since 2005. Mr. Graves graduated from Virginia Tech in 1995 and was a member of the National Agricultural Fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho. He has been a member of the Virginia Apple Growers Association Board and the Virginia State Apple Board. He also is
- [Staff](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/about-us/staff/) - David H. Massie David joined the District in October 2006 as a Conservation Specialist and was promoted to District Manager in December 2025. David was raised on his family’s beef cattle farm in Rappahannock County. He graduated from Rappahannock County High School, where he was a 4-H All Star and an Eagle Scout. He graduated
- [Open Space Conservation](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/agricultural-programs/open-space-conservation/) - Virginia Outdoors Foundation Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (NRCS) Blue Ridge Foothills Conservancy
- [Pond Management](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/agricultural-programs/pond-management/) - Pond Planning Power Point: Comprehensive Overview of Planning Considerations Pond Planning brochure 2023 (revised August 28, 2023) Additional Pond Resources DGIF Pond Management Guide NRCS Pond Design Manual (contact Rex Rexrode for print copies Rex.Rexrode@usda.gov) Controlling Algae in Irrigation Ponds (Purdue)
- [Wildlife Issues](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/agricultural-programs/wildlife-issues/) - From the Eastern Shore to the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia provides an immense diversity of habitats for the thousands of species that call the Old Dominion their home. Whether in a marsh or mountaintop, forest or field, the Commonwealth’s biodiversity is staggering. Macroinvertebrates, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and other species all take advantage in an
- [Streambank Erosion](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/agricultural-programs/streambank-erosion/) - Stream stability is an active process and while streambank erosion is a natural part of this process, it is often accelerated by altering the stream system, removing streamside vegetation, cumulative land cover changes in the watershed from forest to other vegetation and to hard surfaces such as roads, roofs, etc. Altering the natural system can
- [Water Quality](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/agricultural-programs/water-quality/) - Non-point source (NPS) water pollution occurs mainly through stormwater runoff. When it rains, runoff from farmland, city streets, construction sites and suburban lawns, roofs and driveways enters our waterways. This runoff contains harmful substances such as toxics, excess nutrients and sediments. NPS pollution effects seldom show up overnight -- they often go unnoticed for years.
- [Forestland Loss](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/agricultural-programs/forestland-loss/) - * Note: the language below is taken from the introduction section of Executive Directive 06-1. Forests cover over 8 million acres of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Virginia. These forestlands make significant contributions to the natural and economic health of the Commonwealth. The forests of the Chesapeake watershed contribute approximately $12 billion to the economy
- [Grazing Land Management](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/agricultural-programs/grazing-land-management/) - It is estimated that nearly one-third of all farmland in the Culpeper District is pastureland (Virginia Agriculture Statistic Bulletin data). Pasture condition, yield and productivity are dependent on many factors during the growing season, one of the most important being available water in the soil. Overgrazing of pastures has many negative results including less plant
- [Partner Agencies](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/partner-agencies-2/) - Member Counties Culpeper County Greene County Madison County Orange County Rappahannock County Towns Town of Culpeper Town of Gordonsville Town of Orange Town of Washington State Agencies Department of Conservation and Recreation -- Division of Soil and Water Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Department of Environmental Quality Department of Forestry Department of Wildlife Resources
- [Residential Programs](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/residential-cost-share-program/) - July 1, 2025: Cost share for Septic System Maintenance open to all Residential Properties in our 5 Counties! Click here! Free Soil Testing for Lawns! The Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District is offering a limited number of free soil tests of lawns through 2021 while funding is available. Find out if/when you should use fertilizer
- [Land Development Topics](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/land-development-topics/) - Land Development Erosion Control Stormwater is excess runoff that is discharged across the land surface or through a man-made channel or pipe to a natural waterway. Land development changes the vegetated cover, compacts soil and increase impervious (i.e. hard) surfaces. These changes typically increases the quantity (i.e. volume, velocity, frequency and duration) and quality of
- [Publications](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/publications/) - 2024-2025 Annual Report (added 9/22/2025) Erosion & Sediment Control Checklist (updated August 2024) Movin' Dirt (updated July 2024) Winter Feeding Transformation (University of Kentucky) Pollution Reporting (updated October 3, 2022) Welcome to the Woods: A Guide for New Woodland Owners Dirt and Gravel Road BMP Guide (updated February 2019 with funding from the Chesapeake Bay
- [Academic Scholarships](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/education-programs/academic-scholarships/) - Culpeper SWCD Academic Scholarships Each year, the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District awards up to $10,000 in educational scholarships to students who plan to pursue a career in a conservation-related field. These scholarships are available to eligible students living in the five-county area the Culpeper SWCD serves -- Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock.
- [Newsletter](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/education-programs/newsletter/) - The Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District publishes a newsletter, Views from the Foothills, on a seasonal basis. The newsletter is mailed to landowners in our five-county District who receive land use tax benefits and others who have an interest in our activities. We encourage readers to support the newsletter by receiving the newsletter via
- [Rain Barrels](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/education-programs/rain-barrels/) - Rain Barrels for Sale! The Culpeper SWCD Rain Barrel Program is one of the most successful programs in Virginia. Our barrels are black, 50-gallon Earth Minded Rain Stations. These new barrels are $100 for one and $194.80 for two -- still cheaper than the $140 each MSRP)! This includes barrel, lid, hardware and instructions. If
- [Agricultural Programs](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/agricultural-programs/) - The District offers technical assistance to landowners/managers in our member counties on an as requested basis. These services are typically provided without charge although some exceptions exist depending on specific projects. Financial incentives (cost share) are also available to landowners/managers to address natural resource concerns and specific water quality issues. The following links to many
- [Summer Camps](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/education-programs/summer-camps/) - Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District offers up to 4 scholarships for area students to attend summer camp. Camp Woods & Wildlife (formerly Holiday Lake Forestry Camp) June 15-19, 2026 at Holiday Lake 4-H Education Center within the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest (application available in February)! Students ages 13-16 are eligible for this camp, which is
- [New Landowner Workshop Binder](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/new-landowner-workshop-binder/) - New Landowner Workshop Binder (for physical copies of the binder, call 540-825-8591) Agenda Section 1: Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District CSWCD Presentation General Contractor List Land use letter packer Rain barrel flyer 2025 Tree sale sample Conservation Easements 101_binder Scholarships and Camps Announcement Section 2: USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Services NRCS Programs Slideshow CRP_Factsheet-04-25
- [Cost share for Septic System Maintenance](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/cost-share-for-septic-system-maintenance-now-open-to-entire-culpeper-district/) - Effective July 1, 2024, the septic system cost share program is available to all residential properties in the District's 5 Counties. See below for an updated announcement. Cost Share for Septic System Maintenance and Repairs Opens to Entire 5-County Area By Henny Calloway, CSWCD Conservation Specialist II All residents of the District are now eligible
- [Aquatic Ecology Learning Objectives for the NCF Envirothon](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/aquatic-ecology-learning-objectives-for-the-ncf-envirothon/) - From vast oceans and tiny streams to irrigation systems and kitchen sinks, water touches every aspect of our lives. This essential compound make life on Earth possible, and to continue to sustain life, we must protect our water resources. Aquatic ecosystems are diverse, as are the creatures that inhabit them. All water on Earth, whether
- [Virginia Cooperative Extension Links](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/virginia-cooperative-extension-links/) - Land Applications of Biosolids in Virginia Utilization of Organic Wastes as Nutrient Sources and Soil Amendments Best Management Practice Fact Sheets Wet Ponds (Publication 426-133) Rooftop Disconnection (Publication 426-120) Sheet Flow to Open Spaces (Publication 426-121) Grass Swales (Publication 426-122) Soil Restoration (Publication 426-123) Vegetated Roofs (Publication 426-124) Rainwater Harvesting (Publication 426-125) Permeable Pavement (Publication
- [Ag Cost Share in TMDL Watersheds](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/agricultural-programs/ag-cost-share-in-tmdl-watersheds/) - Virginia's goal is that all is that rivers, lakes, streams and tidal waters are healthy and attain the appropriate beneficial uses. These beneficial uses are described by the following use goals: drinking water, primary contact/swimming, fishing, shellfishing and aquatic life. These uses are protected by application of the state's numeric and narrative water quality criteria.
- [New Landowner Binder](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/new-landowner-binder/) - Cover Page Section 1: Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District Section 2: Natural Resources Conservation Service Section 3: Virginia Cooperative Extension Services Section 4: Virginia Department of Forestry Section 5: Virginia Cooperative Extension Forestry Section 6: Smithsonian Institute/Virginia Working Landscapes Section 7: Virginia Outdoors Foundation Section 8: Piedmont Environmental Council Section 9: Quail Forever Section
- [Envirothon Resources](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/education-programs/envirothon-resources/) - Click below for curriculum guidelines and additional resources AQUATIC ECOLOGY (added 9/12/2022) FORESTRY coming soon SOILS coming soon WILDLIFE coming soon SPECIAL TOPIC: 2024 Envirothon Current Issue: Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future ORAL PRESENTATION Please report any broken links to stephanied@culpeperswcd.org
- [Envirothon](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/education-programs/envirothon/) - The Dominion Energy Envirothon is a natural resources competition for high school students. Students who participate learn stewardship and management concepts and work to solve real and hypothetical environmental problems. The program is field-oriented, community based and gives students the opportunity to work with natural resource professionals. Who makes up a team and what do
- [Publications & Design Manuals](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/publications-design-manuals/) - Reporting Water Pollution (updated August 2022) 2020-2021 Annual Report (added September 20, 2021) Dirt and Gravel Road BMP Guide (updated February 2019 with funding from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund. Print copies available) 2017-2018 Annual Report Newsletters On-lot BMP Guide Erosion and Sediment Control Checklist Erosion and Sediment Control Guidance Charts Stormwater Management Checklist Reporting
- [Education Programs](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/education-programs/) - Academic Scholarships Envirothon Envirothon Resources Summer Camps Newsletter Rain barrels Stream Monitoring Outdoor Classrooms ** Please note that District staff are also available for classroom activities on soil and water conservation topics for all grades, with a special emphasis on 3rd and 6th grades as well as biology, ecology and earth science classes at the
- [Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/virginia-conservation-assistance-program-vcap/) - Do you have a drainage issue in your yard? Would your garden benefit from a rain cistern? Would you like to minimize the amount of turf you mow? We have a program for you! VCAP offers approximately 50% cost share to convert mowed turf to native plants, install rain cisterns that are 250+ gallons, install
- [Stream Monitoring](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/education-programs/stream-monitoring/) - The Culpeper SWCD (consisting of Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties) and John Marshall SWCD (Fauquier County), in cooperation with the Rappahannock Conservation Council, have established a network of volunteers to conduct chemical and biological monitoring of streams in the Upper Rappahannock River Basin. Volunteers are trained and certified to conduct monitoring that
- [Calendar](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/calendar-2/)
- [Test Page](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/test-page/) - testing only for performance issues. testing only for performance issues.
- [Calendar](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/calendarofevents/) - (To add calendar events, send an email to stephanied@culpeperswcd.org) Month Agenda Day Month Week 2025 Sep October 2026 Oct 2027 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 Board Meeting 10:30 am Board Meeting @ War Memorial building Oct 6 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Tickets Agenda Board
- [Outdoor Classroom Projects](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/education-programs/outdoor-classroom-projects/) - The Culpeper SWCD works with schools and other public facilities to highlight natural resources and address runoff and flooding issues. Below are a list of projects that are ongoing. For more information, contact Stephanie DeNicola at stephanied@culpeperswcd.org. Eastern View High School (Culpeper): 1,000+ trees plants to reduce runoff, a walking trail highlighting wildlife habitat circles
- [About Us](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/about-us/) - The Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Geographically it includes the counties of Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock. Founded in 1939 by citizens concerned about soil and water conservation, the CSWCD is the largest of forty-seven conservation districts within Virginia and serves an area
- [Home](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/home/) - home page

## Events

- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings-10/) - 9am Personnel 9:30am Operations 10am Education 10:15am Technical
- [Board Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/board-meeting-10/) - Agenda Board Meeting 10.06.26
- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings-9/) - DRAFT AGENDA Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District Committee Meetings September 22, 2026 Culpeper SWCD office 351 Lakeside Drive | Culpeper, VA 9am Personnel 9:30am Operations 10am Education 10:15am Technical
- [Woodland Options for Landowners Field Trip](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/woodland-options-for-landowners-field-trip/) - This field trip will showcase active forest management practices, give you skills to identify common Virginia trees, and show you how to measure and value individual trees using an array of forestry equipment. You do not need to be a current Online Woodland Options student to participate. Due to the hands-on nature of this program registration
- [Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tour -- Orange!](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/fall-forestry-wildlife-field-tour-orange/) - Orange County is bathed in its own name, russet browns, reds and yellows in autumn. Our time at James Madison’s Montpelier is sure to please the eye and the mind while exploring the intersection of society & forests. Stop 1: Working Woods Walk. A trail walk in the Demonstration Forest will pass though part of
- [Generation NEXT Legacy Planning Workshop](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/generation-next-legacy-planning-workshop/) - gen next warrenton 11.14.26
- [Board Meeting (New location)](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/board-meeting-9/) - Board Meeting 09.01.26 draft agenda
- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings-8/) - committee agendas 08.18.26
- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings-7/) - 9am Personnel 9:30am Operations 10am Education 10:30am Technical
- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings-6/) - 9am Personnel 9:30am Legislative 10am Operations 10:30am Education 11am Technical
- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings-5/) - 9am Personnel 9:30am Operations 10am Education 10:30am Technical
- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings-4/) - 9am Personnel 9:30am Operations 10am Education 10:30am Technical
- [Education Committee Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/education-committee-meeting-2/)
- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings-3/) - 9am Personnel 9:15am Legislative 9:30am Operations 10am Technical Education 3/23 at 3:30pm at VCE office in Ruckersville
- [Board Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/board-meeting-4/)
- [Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tours](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/fall-forestry-wildlife-field-tours/) - Started in 1976 to promote sustainable forest and wildlife management practices, the Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tours have become one of the premier landowner education programs in the commonwealth! To celebrate, we will explore sustainable forestry and wildlife management practices across 4 counties over 4 days (October 20-23). Tours visit private, public, and industry-owned
- [Education Committee Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/education-committee-meeting/)
- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings-2/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/board-meeting-3/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/board-meeting-5/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/board-meeting-6/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/board-meeting-7/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/board-meeting-8/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/board-meeting-11/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/board-meeting-12/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/board-meeting-2/)
- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings/) - 9am Legislative 9:15am Personnel 9:45am Operations 10:15am Technical Education at 3:30pm on 1/28/26
- [Rapp River Basin Commission Technical Committee Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/rapp-river-basin-commission-technical-committee-meeting-9/)
- [Rappahannock River Basin Commission Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/rappahannock-river-basin-commission-meeting-5/)
- [Offices Closed: Christmas](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/offices-closed-christmas/)
- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings-12/)
- [Offices Closed: Thanksgiving](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/offices-closed-thanksgiving/)
- [Committee Meetings](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/committee-meetings-11/)
- [Offices Closed: Veterans' Day](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/offices-closed-veterans-day/)
- [Offices Closed: Columbus Day](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/offices-closed-columbus-day/)
- [January 2026 Board Meeting](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/event/january-2026-board-meeting/)

## Categories

- [News](https://www.culpeperswcd.org/category/news/)