~ Press release provided by the Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District
HARRISONBURG, Va. — The Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District (SVSWCD) recently recognized Linda Campbell of Luray, Va. for her 35 years of service on the District’s Board of Directors.
Linda, who was born and raised in Page County, Virginia, has spent much of her life demonstrating her passion for conservation through her volunteer service to various conservation focused organizations and groups.
The SVSWCD is a political subdivision of the State of Virginia, led by a locally elected Board of Directors, charged with the implementation of conservation practices that help improve and protect water quality. Campbell was elected to the position of Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District Director by the constituents of Page County in 1986 and has proudly served in this volunteer role for more than three decades. She has been an engaged member of the Board, offering her local knowledge and support guiding the work and activities of the SVSWCD.
During her 35 years of service on the SVSWCD Board, Campbell held the positions of Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer. She volunteered on multiple committees including Personnel, Finance and Nominating among others, serving as Chair for various committees.
“Her leadership and dedication to the Conservation District are unmatched” commented Megen Dalton, SVSWCD District Manager. “I was honored to have the opportunity to work not only for, but along-side, Ms. Campbell while she served on the Board. She was a true leader, not only for our local District Board, but also in her service at the regional and state level. I have learned a lot from her over the years and have appreciated her continued support and guidance in my role as District Manager.”
Campbell furthered her commitment to conservation serving on the Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation District’s Executive Board as Second Vice President, Chair of the Education Committee and on the Information Technology and Marketing Committees. In addition, she served as a regional representative holding the positions of Area 1 Chair and Vice Chair multiple times during her 35-year commitment to conservation.
In 2016, Campbell was awarded the Bobby Wilkinson Outstanding Director Award, the highest honor awarded by the Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, for her significant contributions and service. The Virginia Association also recognized the well-known Page County goat farmer in December 2020 for her service with a 35-year pin.
In addition, Campbell was appointed for multiple terms by three Governors to serve on the Virginia Soil & Water Conservation Board, serving with distinction and holding the role of Chair. She also served as President of the Virginia Chapter of the Soil & Water Conservation Society, an organization that works to foster the science and art of natural resource conservation. Campbell has also served as an advocate for agriculture through her efforts at the national level, working with numerous national and international groups including USDA Committees.
Linda and her husband Leith have not only promoted soil and water conservation initiatives, but they have championed sustainability at their own property at Khimaira Farm in Luray. Operated since 1978, Khimara Farm is certified Virginia Green and promotes conservation and sustainability.
Campbell has also supported conservation with her community through her service to the Page County Water Quality Advisory Committee, Page County Grown, and the Page County Farmer’s Association.
On June 3, the Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District Board adopted a resolution honoring Mrs. Campbell’s commitment and contributions to conservation locally and beyond.
“We were pleased to recognize Mrs. Campbell for her volunteer service to the Conservation District and unwavering commitment to conservation,” said Chairman of the Board, Kevin Craun.
Charles, Newton, fellow Page County SVSWCD Board Director, remarked “I have heart felt admiration and appreciation for Linda’s guidance and support in helping me to become a productive Director of our SWCD and supporter of the VASWCD.”
During its June 15 meeting, the Page County Board of Supervisors also adopted a resolution recognizing Campbell for her dedication and commitment to conservation and her exemplary public service to her community. Her dedication and commitment to conservation not only helped to improve local waterways, but also helped ensure a cleaner and healthier Chesapeake Bay.
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Congratulations Linda! Your Savannah Sister is proud of your years of dedicated SWC volunteer service. Thank you for being part of our Team, Shirley Lewis