Lena Simmons was sworn in as chair of the North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation District Area 7 during the district’s spring meeting held Feb. 28 at “The Barn” at Righteous Oaks Farm in Fayetteville. Simmons, who is currently chair of the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, was sworn in by National Association of Conservation Districts Executive Director Bryan Evans.

District 7 is made up of nine soil and water conservation districts including Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland counties.

In addition to the swearing-in ceremony, leaders from District 7 conducted a business session, to include policy updates, resolutions, and reports. Delegates also heard reports from partners including the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the N.C. Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Livestock Agent Liz Joseph gave a presentation about the Soldiers to Agriculture program.

“The important work of Soil and Water Conservation takes partnerships, innovation, strategic planning,” said Simmons in a press release. “Every person has something to contribute.”

Simmons holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology and is currently pursuing a master’s degree. Simmons is also on the Leadership Committee of the National Association of Conservation Districts.

The Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors is made up of five board members, three of whom are elected, and two who are appointed by the N.C. Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

For more information about Cumberland County Soil and Water, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/soil-water-group/soil-water.