Volunteer’s contributions continue to grow upon the landscape

Jim Manring has transformed his knowledge of plants and his love for the land into deeds that will continue to grow upon the landscape in southeastern Washington for generations to come.

For more than seven years, Mr. Manring has been an Earth Team volunteer in the Pomeroy field office as well as a number of other offices in the Snake River team. His first project began with a four-month river project on Asotin Creek and the Tucannon and Touchet Rivers – a project that helped develop and stabilize fish habitat and stream channel integrity.

Seven years later, he hasn’t lost a beat – working on a variety of projects including tree plantings, developing irrigation systems and stock watering systems and surveying.

“I keep coming back because I enjoy working with Jim Shawley and all the people in all the offices in the area,” Mr. Manring says. “It’s also is a good way to keep up on all the government programs available to the farmers.”

With a degree in agriculture and master’s degree in horticulture, Mr. Manring enjoys working with local farmers and being in the outdoors.

“Volunteering for the NRCS is a good way to keep me updated on what is going on in Garfield County and the surrounding area,” he says. “I’m interested in new ideas and products available to the farmers.”

NRCS Civil Engineering Technician Jim Shawley says Mr. Manring’s involvement in a wide range of projects and has resulted in improved productivity and the development of excellent relations with producers throughout the area. “Mr. Manring’s concern for the improvement of soil tilth and his genuine concern for the land have made him a valuable asset to our office,” Shawley says.

For Mr. Manring, the most rewarding project he’s worked on in his seven years was planting trees on the stream banks.  “You can see how they have grown and developed and alleviated problems that might have developed later on,” he says.

A retired junior high school math teacher, Mr. Manring recommends that others consider becoming an Earth Team volunteer. “I would definitely recommend becoming an Earth Team volunteer to anyone who has an interest in these areas.  It has been very rewarding to me,” he says.

-30-

< Back to ...COPO