Updated: Feb 25

The annual HSWCD Year in Review takes a look back at the programs, projects and activities that define the work of the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District and its elected, nonpartisan and unpaid board of supervisors.

"Once again, supervisors, staff and volunteers engaged hundreds of individuals, groups, sponsors and cooperating partners in the work of conservation throughout Hillsborough County and beyond," said HWCD Executive Director Betty Jo Tompkins. "The range and scope of what we do is clearly evident and we continue to find even more ways to showcase how 'conservation is everybody's business.' "

The 49-page 2022 HSWCD Year in Review opens with documents that detail the successful fight to preserve soil and water conservation districts in the state of Florida. As originally drafted last year, House Bill 783, and its companion bill, Senate Bill 1078, called for the abolishment of all 58 districts in the state.

The colorful report, packed with photos and information, takes the reader through a year’s worth of HSWCD impact, from fairs and festivals to the Fancy Farms Strawberry U-Pick fundraiser to the annual Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge and ongoing "Operation Pollination" initiative.

Included as well is information about cost-share support for environmental stewardship programs on agricultural lands and the annual Local Working Group meeting that gives producers, land owners and local, state and federal agricultural agency representatives the opportunity to help inform future National Resources Conservation Service (NRS) funding priorities.

Pages giving a shout-out to HSWCD’s many affiliated partners are included in the book as well. Information about the Great Plant Auction, held annually at the Hillsborough County Fair, highlights the generous support of many area nurseries in helping to raise thousands of dollars for youth initiatives. Likewise, the book includes reviews of HSWCD’s annual youth horticulture, poster and rain barrel decorating contests, as well as a look back in pictures of HSWCD supervisors, staff, volunteers and event attendees in action throughout the community,

Review the 2021 HSWCD Year in Review for even more information about past and ongoing initiatives.

For more information, contact HSWCD Executive Director Betty Jo Tompkins.

Call: 813-477-8332 Email: bjt6890@yahoo.com