top of page

The Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation District's mission is to provide and develop leadership in natural resource conservation on the Eastern Shore of Virginia through education, promotion of cooperative programs, and fulfillment of a diverse clientele's needs.

Formed in 1945, the Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation District (Eastern Shore SWCD) represents one of 47 Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The District's service area covers the Eastern Shore of Virginia- a region on the Delmarva Peninsula comprised of Accomack and Northampton Counties, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland.

​

Eastern Shore SWCD is a political subdivison of the Commonwealth and it supports the District through financial and administrative assistance provided by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board.  Accomack and Northampton Counties also provide financial assistance and support to the District.  

​

Two of the District's major roles are to administer Virginia's incentive program for agricultural Best Management Practices and provide environmental education.  Since conservation involves everyone, the District provides various programs to students and adults promoting awareness, action and support for the area's natural resources.  

The above video was published by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) which is a nonprofit organization that represents America’s 3,000 conservation districts and the 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards.

The Commonwealth of Virginia supports the Eastern Shore SWCD through financial and administrative assistance provided by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Eastern Shore SWCD programs, activities and employment opportunities are available to all people regardless of disability, race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, color, age, religion/religious creed, veteran status, or genetics. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

In 2021 VA Cooperative Extension (VCE) produced a video highlighting their partnership with the Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation District and how both agencies work together to help growers meet agriculture’s conservation goals. To see the video please CLICK HERE.

Latest Announcements:

2024 Scholarship Applications DUE 4/24/24
Are you a current college student or high school senior in a natural resources or agricultural related major? Please click here for information on scholarships available for students who live in Accomack or Northampton County

2024 Spring Grants
DUE 4/24/24
Are you a local organization with an idea for an educational conservation program?  Please click here to learn more about our spring grants.

2024 Youth Conservation Camp DUE 4/24/24
Apply today to attend Youth Conservation Camp on VA Tech's Campus to be held July 14-20, 2024
Please click here to learn more about Youth Conservation Camp.

Do you have what it takes to be a water-wise home?





Take the Water-Wise Home Challenge from the ESSWCD and earn a yard sign or flag!

Eastern Shore Soil & Water

Conservation District

 

VA Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)

​

Click here for more information regarding eligible VCAP practices such as living shorelines, rain gardens, etc.

​

OPEN SIGN-UP Period

​

for more information contact

 

Bill Savage, Conservation Specialist or

Palmer Smith, Conservation Technician

bill.savage@esswcd.org

757-302-4437

palmersmith@esswcd.org

757-302-4421

​

​

bottom of page