Chris Mead is relatively new to his job, but he’s not lacking in experience.

Mead is the new soil conservationist at the Covington Water and Soil Conservation District, and he has more than 26 years of experience.

He began working with Covington County in October.

“My passion for forestry started in high school when I was in FFA,” Mead said, “I ended up getting a scholarship to Auburn, and I had my first job with the forestry commission.”

Mead is familiar Covington County, however, and was the Geneva State Forest manager for 20 years.

He traveled all over, working in Covington, Coffee, and Geneva counties.

“I like Covington County a lot- for its diversity, and the farmers,” Mead said, “Especially in the way they farm, the technology and practices they use.”

As soil conservationist, it’s Mead’s job to work with landowners to improve their land.

“We help landowners fight soil erosion, improve the quality of their water, plant trees, and do prescribed burnings,” Mead said.

Mead graduated from J.B. Pennington High School in Blountsville, and went on to attend Auburn University, where he graduated in 1989.

He lives in the Kinston area, with his wife and three kids.

Mead attends Trinity Church and likes to fish and bee-keep. He even sells his own honey.

“For any land owner or farmer who needs help, you can contact the soil and water conservation district, and we can help you,” Mead said.

To contact Mead, call 334-222-3519, and dial extension 114.