HEALTHY LAND CLEAN WATER FOR LIFE
The Keystone Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society is a multi disciplinary membership organization, that advocates for the protection, enhancement and sustainable use of soil, water and natural resources. Through education and example, we promote an ethic that recognizes the interdependence of people and the environment.
Executive Committee
President
Geri Montgomery
Geri Montgomery is the Northwest PA Grazing Specialist for NRCS. She works with livestock producers to improve soil health by better managing perennial vegetation with rotational grazing systems. She has worked in a number of positions for NRCS, from Soil Conservation to District Conservationist, and enjoys the professional relationships that are strengthened by serving as an officer with the Keystone Chapter of the SWCS.
Past President
Mary Smith
2022
President Elect
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Treasurer
Gary Smith
Gary joined SWCS as a student in 1978 in the All Ohio Chapter and has been a member for over 40 years. He has served in many positions including President of the Keystone Chapter. Gary retired after a 39 year career with USDA SCS/NRCS. He has a Business Administration degree from West Liberty University and an Agronomy/Soils degree from Ohio State University.
Secretary
Curtis Dell
Research Soil Scientist
USDA-ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit
Regional Representatives
Region 1
Jonathan Burgess
Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Warren, Washington, Westmorland
Region 2
Lisa Blazure
Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Lycoming, McKean, Tioga, Potter, Union
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Soil Health Coordinator, Stroud Water Research Center. Lisa serves as the coordinator for PA Soil Health Coalition. She is actively engage in soil health education and advocating for regenerative agricultural practices.
"It's time we stop treating our soils like dirt" - David Montgomery
Region 3
vacant
Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Pike, Wayne, Wyoming
Region 4
Kefeni Kejela
Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, Somerset
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Kefeni Kejela is a soil conservationist and certified conservation planner for USDA NRCS in Lancaster County. Kefeni received his undergraduate and graduate degrees abroad and in 2002 received his PhD in Environmental Science at Oklahoma State University.
Kefeni started his career in Ethiopia and worked for many years as a Soil Scientist with NRCS. Currently, in addition to his soil conservationist duties, he serves statewide as the Black Special Emphasis Program Manager for USDA NRCS.
Region 5
Mark Myers
Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, York
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Statewide
Sjoerd W Duiker
At-Large: Sjoerd W. Duiker
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Professor of Soil Management and Applied Soil Physics
Penn State
History of the Chapter
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The Keystone Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society was formed on November 14th, 1946. It was comprised of 12 members ranging from a Glarfelter Paper Company, Farm Bureau Cooperative, and SCS employees to name a few. Their mission was "State Chapter Organized to Conserve Soil". Since that time the Chapter won numerous 'Oustanding Chapter Awards' (1984,1987,1991,2007) and has supported student scholarships since 1980. We have over 100 members and have hosted a number of conferences and field days. We will continue to strive to carry on the tradition in the Keystone Chapter SWCS that was started 62 years ago.
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Chapter By-Laws
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"The objectives of the Chapter shall be the same as those of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (hereinafter referred to as the Society), as a nonprofit educational and scientific organization dedicated to advancing the science and art of good land and water use."
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