Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) became part of our national landscape in the devastating wake of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, as states followed President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's recommendation to enact laws that authorize formation of locally held volunteer boards that promote and preserve the health and sanctity of our natural resources at the grassroots level. Nearly 3,000 conservation districts—almost one in every county—now work directly with landowners to conserve and promote healthy soils, water, forests, and wildlife.
Since its creation in 1946 as a subdivision of the Tennessee state government, the Davidson County Soil and Water Conservation District’s mission has been to coordinate assistance from all available sources—public and private, local, state, and federal—in developing locally-driven solutions to natural resources concerns.
In addition to serving as coordinators for conservation in the field, SWCDs often:
- Implement farm, ranch and forestland conservation practices to protect soil productivity, water quality and quantity, air quality and wildlife habitat;
- Conserve and restore wetlands, which purify water and provide habitat for birds, fish and other animals;
- Protect groundwater resources;
- Assist communities and homeowners in planting trees and other land cover to hold soil in place, clean the air, provide cover for wildlife, and beautify neighborhoods;
- Help developers control soil erosion and protect water and air quality during construction; and
- Reach out to communities and schools to teach the value of natural resources and encourage conservation efforts.
The Davidson County SWCD is governed by a five-member volunteer Board of Supervisors, comprised of land-owning conservation professionals in Davidson County. The District Board is supported by a SWCD Administrator who supports all District activities and assists the Board in hosting monthly business meetings that are open to the public.*
In Davidson County, these meetings take place on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 9:30am at the Metro Stormwater Offices: 1607A County Hospital Rd. Nashville, TN 37218.
Please call our office at 615-880-2030 or email at [email protected].
* Contact us before planning to attend a meeting, so we can ensure all information to be accurate and understood.
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All programs and services are offered and are available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status or disabilities