Conservation Board fills openings

MT. PLEASANT — The Henry County Conservation Board is officially full and Executive Director Caleb Waters is thrilled.

Thursday, Waters and the Board of Supervisors interviewed three candidates to fill the two open spots on the Conservation board.

Supervisor Chad White said the applicants who were all local, good candidates, and had serious interest in conservation.

The board quickly offered the empty spots to Kathy Casteel and David Smith.

“I love nature, that's a given, and it is very important to protect the resources we have while making sure we preserve them for future generations,” Casteel said. “Also, I have a lot of special interests in getting different groups included in activities. This way I can help shape some of those ideas into reality.”

The third candidate expressed interest in a volunteering capacity with the nature center as well.

“We’re always looking for volunteers to host in our nature center on Saturdays,” Waters said. “I’ve got plenty of projects for volunteers”

Waters was more than ready to fill the empty board spots, though, and keep moving forward with the conservation department.

“I’m just excited to get to know them.” Waters Said. “They both seemed to have a strong interest in all our recreation areas, especially education and outreach.”

Waters went on to talk about how important education and outreach are to Henry County’s Conservation department saying that they were the department’s most important values.

Since the last supervisors’ meeting with Waters, the conservation department hired a few campground hosts, but still is taking applications for the paid position.

To apply visit the Henry County Conservation website.

Looking ahead, Waters is planning for Pioneer Days with local elementary schools at Oakland Mills Nature Center.

“A lot of people that help with [Pioneer Days] are volunteers from the community,” Waters said.

Overall Waters is thrilled to continue growing the department and further their education and outreach efforts.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com