Underwood Conservation District

Barbara retired from a career in finance and human resources management to move to her partner's dry cabin in the Alaska Interior. When they decided to move to the lower 48, they purchased a farm property above White Salmon. Barbara first learned about conservation districts when a neighbor put her in touch with the good folks of Underwood Conservation District.

She participated in a cost share program to keep manure out of the watershed and implemented best practices from a Farm Plan UCD staff prepared for her. Barbara undertook a couple of large restoration projects on the property with native trees and shrubs, and as a grower of specialty crops she developed a keen interest in soil health. When an opening for a Supervisor arose, Barbara ran for the position….and lost. Instead, she was appointed as Associate Supervisor in 2016. The following year, she was appointed Supervisor, and her peers elected her Chair in 2021.  In 2019 Barbara joined WACD’s board as SC Area Director; in 2021 she was elected and in 2023 re-elected to her current position as Secretary.