Partner Profile
Maddie Wiley, Conversation Technician with Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
Image Credit: Katrin Schneider, korina.info – CC-BY-SA-4.0
Favorite riparian plant: Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
How does your work support healthy streamside ecosystems in the James River watershed?
At Monacan SWCD, we implement agricultural and urban cost-share programs that help producers and landowners adopt conservation practices with lasting environmental benefits. We also provide educational outreach for both youth and adults to increase awareness and understanding of best management practices. Because Powhatan and Goochland counties both adjoin the James River, we take great care to ensure our work is implemented thoughtfully and responsibly, recognizing its direct impact on the health of the river and its surrounding ecosystems.
What do you love most about your work?
What I love most about my work is seeing the positive impact our efforts have on both our local communities and ecosystems across Virginia. It is incredibly rewarding to take pride in the work I do each day while collaborating with passionate, like-minded colleagues who genuinely care about one another and share a commitment to conservation.
What was your journey/career path that led you to the work you do now?
My career path wasn’t a straight line. At Virginia Tech, I explored many different interests, but I eventually realized that while I enjoyed several subjects, none of them truly inspired me. That realization led me to the College of Natural Resources and Environment, where I discovered my passion for natural resources — a field that allows me to advocate for and protect the environment, by giving a voice to those that cannot speak for themselves.
What do you value most about the Consortium? How has it positively impacted your work?
What I value most about the Consortium is the passion, professionalism, and shared commitment of its people to advancing meaningful conservation work. It has positively impacted me by providing an outstanding example of how a collaborative organization can foster respect, inspire excellence, and create lasting, positive change.
About Maddie Wiley
Organization: Monacan SWCD
Title: Conservation Technician