OXFORD — Three Valley Conservation Trust has undergone some significant changes this past year. The most important change is a new executive director, who will begin on Sept. 6.

Chad Smith is a Talawanda graduate who began his conservation career as an intern at Hueston Woods State Park. After graduating from Hocking College (Natural Resources Management), he was the Park Naturalist at Hueston Woods for 8 years (2003-2011). His expertise, professionalism, and leadership abilities resulted in promotions within the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) — first as the Interpretive Services Manager for the southwest region of the Ohio park system where he supervised seven park naturalists in 13 state parks; — then as acting Park Manager for Sycamore State Park for several months (2012-2013); and, in 2013, he was promoted to Park Manager for East Fork State Park.

Smith will bring an extraordinary commitment to conservation, as well as mature management skills, experience working with state and local governments, and a long history of success working with volunteers, civic groups, and the public. Chad and TVCT will truly walk the talk of conservation.

New office location

Also of importance is a move to the Oxford Professional Building, located across from the TRI building in Oxford (5995 Fairfield Road, Oxford). The new location is more accessible to TVCT members, provides a professional, technologically up-to-date office for staff, and represents a savings to the operating budget. The phone number 513-524-2150, postal address PO Box 234, and email address ([email protected]) remain the same.

Three Valley Conservation Trust, the local conservation agency, is doing its best to meet the challenges of conserving today; to leave a legacy of conservation for many tomorrows to come.