Nationwide, 3,604 Earth Team volunteers donated 45,667 hours of service to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in 2022 - a volunteer value of $1.3 million

In honor of National Volunteer Week, the Natural Resources Conservation Service recognizes Florida Earth Team volunteer, Linda Johnson. She has volunteered at the NRCS Crestview Field Office for over 30 years!

Linda shares her volunteer story here in her own words:

Why do I volunteer? Because each one of us has a need to give back to our community. It gives us a sense of belonging, of being a part of something bigger than yourself.

I was doing my senior thesis for my Bachelor of Science degree In Environmental Resource Management and Planning at the University of West Florida. Since I had a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from the University of Texas, I contacted Darryl Williams, District Conservationist in Crestview, Florida, about doing a study of the Baker Gully - Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) Project. When I completed that study, my degree, and graduated, I looked for something to do and noted that the Yellow River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Darryl needed help. So, I thought I would help.

I was introduced to the board on August 11,1992, as a new Earth Team volunteer with the official title of Information and Education Specialist.

Over the years, I have worked with students at schools, and the public at fairs, John C Beasley Park (where NRCS has conducted dune restoration test plots), National Seashore, and at Legislative Tour Days and Arbor Day events. I have written annual reports, budgets, and five-year, long-range strategic plans for the Yellow River SWCD partnership." 

Linda earned her Master of Public Administration in Coastal Zones studies from the University of West Florida and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in public administration from Florida State University.

Learn more and get involved with the Earth Team at www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/volunteers.