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She brings a wealth of knowledge to her role, holding a Master of Science degree from Cornell University in Animal Breeding and Genetics, a Master of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from California Polytechnic State University in Dairy Science, and a Master of Arts from Western Governor's University in Science Education. Her undergraduate studies encompassed a broad array of agricultural sciences, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of soil science, crop science, botany, microbiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and agricultural ethics. Julie's technical background is complemented by extensive hands-on experience in production agriculture and environmental compliance, notably managing a 300-cow Jersey dairy in California.  

 

Julie is an exemplary leader within our District. She manages the demanding workload of our environmental education programming with minimal direction, consistently planning and implementing workshops and projects that benefit both staff and the community. Her positive outlook energizes those around her and fosters a collaborative, supportive team environment. Julie's ability to motivate others, paired with her innovative approach to problem-solving, sets her apart as a leader and role model. 

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She excels at building relationships with landowners, educators, and citizens throughout the Eastern Shore. Her outreach efforts have significantly enhanced our District's presence in both private and public school systems. She developed tailored curriculums to meet local needs and organized events such as "Ag in the Classroom" in partnership with Farm Bureau and VA Ag in the Classroom, supporting professional development for teachers and fostering agricultural literacy.  

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In the past she has served as Secretary to the Virginia Association of Conservation District Employees (VACDE). Julie plays a pivotal role in state-level educational committees and initiatives. She regularly serves as a certified facilitator for Project Wild and Project Learning Tree and acts as an Ag in the Classroom ambassador. Julie's leadership within the Eastern Shore Environmental Education Council has revitalized agency partnerships and brought new energy and innovation to our collaborative efforts. She is respected by her peers and consistently presents new ideas that advance our District's educational mission.  

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Julie's ability to forge and maintain partnerships is exemplary. She developed a lesson plan around the book "A Long Walk to Water," which was picked up by the Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) and as a result, VASWCD distributed a copy of the book to every District statewide. Her proactive approach to collaboration ensures that agency partners are included in District programs, and her innovative ideas often set new standards for educational outreach. Julie's coordination with other Districts and partner agencies has led to the return of the Regional Science Fair to the Eastern Shore, a significant achievement for our community. 

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Her work extends to effective engagement with governmental officials and broader community stakeholders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she demonstrated adaptability by creating online educational resources for teachers and students, ensuring continued learning despite public interaction restraints. She also took on the essential task of organizing and purging District records, serving as the District's Record Retention Officer- a role she undertook with diligence and professionalism.

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Julie's impact is felt throughout the Eastern Shore and beyond. She maintains and updates the District's Facebook page, making it a valuable resource for promoting programs and events. She creates and distributes the District's newsletter, Shore Conserver, also distributing a Teacher's Edition she developed, to keep educators informed about programs, opportunities and District initiatives. Julie conducts educational programs using the District's Soils trailer, bringing hands-on learning experiences to schools and public events. Her commitment to environmental education is further evidenced by her pursuit of certification through the VA Association of Environmental Education and her service on the Virginia Environmental Education Advisory Committee. Julie also organizes camps such as Nature Camp, Ag Camp, Junior Ag Camp, and Seaside Explorers, providing enriching experiences for young learners.

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Beyond her professional accomplishments, Julie is deeply involved in the community, hosting petting zoos at local events with her family to teach children about farm animals. Her genuine passion for education and agriculture, combined with her impressive academic and professional background, makes her an invaluable asset to our District and the broader educational community.

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Outside of her professional pursuits, Julie's personal life is a vibrant tapestry woven with family and community. She and her husband, David, live in Machipongo, VA, as parents of four married children and grandparents of two with one more on the way. She is a devoted grandparent, finding joy in the simple pleasures of spending time with them. Family traditions-such as hosting petting zoos at local fairs and helping little ones discover the wonders of farm animals-are cherished events that unite generations and inspire curiosity in young minds. Julie's nurturing spirit is evident in the way she encourages her grandchildren to appreciate the natural world, whether by helping them plant a garden, exploring local habitats together, or sharing stories about the importance of conservation. 

 

Her love for education seamlessly blends into her personal life, as she instills in her children and grandchildren the values of stewardship, curiosity, and kindness. Through her actions, she fosters an environment where learning is celebrated and family connections are treasured, further enriching the legacy she builds both within her household and throughout the Eastern Shore community. 

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Julie Head is an outstanding representative of the Eastern Shore Soil & Water Conservation District. Her technical expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education. and community engagement have made her a vital part of Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation District's team. 

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