Meet Our Staff
Leslie N. Vanden Herik, Conservation District Manager
Leslie joined the District in February of 2008. Leslie oversees day to day operations of the District under the guidance of the board and manages the Districts cost share and technical programs and services. She holds a Bachelors degree in Biology from UNC Charlotte and has completed graduate course work in both Earth and Soil Sciences at UNC Charlotte and NC State University. In her free time Leslie enjoys working in her garden and playing with her four crazy dogs.
Anganette Byrd, Sr. Administrative Support Assistant / Education Coordinator
Anganette joined the District in May of 1999. Anganette provides administrative support to the Board and coordinates the District's education programs, including contests, Envirothon and Resource Conservation Workshop. Anganette enjoys working with young students to teach them about natural resource conservation issues. In her free time, Anganette enjoys volunteering and spending time with her family.
Allison Channell, Conservationist
Allison joined the District in January of 2023. She is a conservation biologist with a background in fisheries, wildlife, and conservation practices. Allison received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University. She also received a Professional Master’s Degree of Conservation Biology from University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Allison has a passion for Piedmont natural resources and soil science, and has conducted studies in VA, NC, SC, GA, and AL, with a focus on soil matrices, forest health, and composition. She has publications under the GARI Group regarding climate change and investments, as well as the University of Wisconsin-Stout, regarding forest health and soil composition. In her free time, Allison loves spending time with her family, playing with her two dogs (Davis and Ivy), and kayaking or hiking in the Piedmont.