Connie Sizemore serves farmers in Leslie County by managing the Conservation District office, but her passion lies with teaching the youngest citizens about the environment.

Susan Brown is a Conservation Education Specialist at Boone County Conservation District. Her passion for the environment has followed her all her life, and she’s always pursued jobs and activities that let her spend the most time outdoors and helping people understand and connect with the environment around them.

My advice for a career of any kind . . . find what you love and throw yourself into it with all your passion. I have always told students and interns that no matter what field they choose, there are always excellent jobs for smart and passionate people.

“Follow what makes your heart happy, and don't listen to the naysayers. The world relies on agriculture, and there are SO many careers in this field to explore!”

For anyone interested in beekeeping, Potter said she recommends going to several different beekeeping associations for a full year to learn the seasonality before purchasing any equipment. Potter said the associations are a good place for anyone to start because dues are often inexpensive, and you get to meet new people, learn the language, see the diversity of equipment, and pick a style of hive that is comfortable for you to start with.

Ms. Crystal Renfro joined the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts in 2018 as the first Executive Director for the Association, with over 18 years of experience in working directly with Kentucky’s Conservation Districts and helping to improve and conserve natural resources across the Commonwealth.