District 7 Wildlife Biologist Jason Smith was recently selected by the Davidson Soil and Water Conservation District Staff and Board of Supervisors as the first ever Conservation Steward for Davidson County.  At the time of selection, Smith was the technical assistance biologist, focusing on the Native Warm Season Grass Program. 

The award recognized Smith’s local conservation efforts, which included assisting landowners in Davidson County and across the western piedmont with establishing native warm season grasses on their farms, which provide usable early successional habitat for wildlife as well as quality forage utilized by livestock. 

Smith worked diligently to write practice plans, provide equipment (such as herbicide sprayers and no-till drills) and monitor the landowner’s fields so they were established and managed successfully. In addition, he helped the county with local events and farm tours to educate the public about the benefits that native warm season grasses provide for livestock, local wildlife and the environment.

“It is rewarding to represent the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission in being recognized by the Davidson Soil and Water Conservation District,” said Smith. “Especially since it is my home county where I grew up hunting, fishing and farming, which ultimately lead me down my career path as a biologist.”

Pictured from L to R: Ben Hege - DSWC Board of Supervisors (Chairman), Jason Smith - NCWRC, Andy Miller - DSWC Director