Talbot Soil Conservation District

The Talbot Soil Conservation District (SCD) held a joint celebration on April 25, 2008 by celebrating its 50^th Anniversary and by holding a building dedication of the new Talbot Agricultural Service Center.

Craig Zinter, District Manager provided remarks about the conservation movement and how Soil Conservation District’s came about through soil conservation district legislation in 1937. Talbot SCD’s formation took longer than most. Records show that efforts to form the District were defeated as early as 1945. Second and third attempts also failed in 1950 and 1952. Finally a referendum vote was held on April 12, 1958 and passed 184 for, 107 against. The State Soil Conservation Committee granted approval on April 23, 1958 which officially formed Talbot SCD. It was publicly reported in the local newspaper on April 25, 1958.

The Talbot Agricultural Service Center is a 15,300 square feet with six office suites ranging in size from 1,575 square feet to 4,300 square feet. Building contractor was Delmarva Pole Building Supply, Inc. Financing was through the Talbot Bank and total project cost was $2.7 million. The Service Center is located in Talbot Commerce Park, 28577 Marys Court, Easton MD.

A ground breaking ceremony was held September 15, 2008 and actual building construction began October 1, 2008. Dignitaries in attendance were Sen. Richard Colburn, Del. Addie Eckardt, and Del. Jeannie Haddaway, MDA Sec. Richardson, and Talbot County Manager Andy Hollis. Delmarva Pole Building representatives presented a limited edition Alert Great Blue Heron (Half-Size) bronze cast of a great blue heron for display in the building’s vestibule. Current Board Supervisors John Swaine, III, Chairman, Taylor Spies, Vice Chairman, Lemmie Swann, Treasurer, Kyle Hutchison, member, and Jane Ward , member presided and past Supervisor Dan Palmer also attended.

The overall directive for the Talbot Agricultural Service Center was the USDA goal to have an Agricultural Service Center in every County where farmers, producers, and landowners can come to discuss and address their natural resources concerns. The Talbot Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors agreed with that principle and decided to take on the task. The dedication was designed to coincide with the Talbot SCD 50^th Anniversary. Thanks to all who made it possible.

The Talbot SCD expects to be able to move to the new Service Center in July as the current lease does not end until July 31, 2008.

Construction has almost finished and we have been posting pictures and information about the new building as it has been developing.