Growing up, Mark spent weekends and summers at his Grandmother's farm in Seagrove, NC. He and his dad plowed with a mule and Mark learned the value of hard work and what it means to grow what one eats. He is still thrilled by fresh local berry pies. The remaining 77,000 acres of farm land in Wake county are important. It takes wisdom t
Growing up, Mark spent weekends and summers at his Grandmother's farm in Seagrove, NC. He and his dad plowed with a mule and Mark learned the value of hard work and what it means to grow what one eats. He is still thrilled by fresh local berry pies. The remaining 77,000 acres of farm land in Wake county are important. It takes wisdom to balance the needs of the county's growing urban population with the quality of life provided by our farmers. He wants his children and grandchildren to have the same opportunities he has had.
Mark has served as the President of the Gardeners of Wake County and spent countless hours volunteering to enhance Joslin Garden. He has volunteered his time to coach small business farmers in ways to increase their revenue. Many of the articles he has written can be found on the Gardeners of Wake County website
Mark is a strong believer individuals can make a difference in the local environment. He also fully appreciates the need to collectively work together to preserve farm land. He is an active gardener who believes improving the habitat for the wild creatures living in the County is important. He greatly enjoys seeing the bluebirds he hos
Mark is a strong believer individuals can make a difference in the local environment. He also fully appreciates the need to collectively work together to preserve farm land. He is an active gardener who believes improving the habitat for the wild creatures living in the County is important. He greatly enjoys seeing the bluebirds he hosts to fledge their young. Although he has had to reinforce his chicken house to keep the foxes out he enjoys watching the kits wrestle with each other.
Since 1998 Mark has been the owner and CEO of Markus Group Limited, a company specializing in contract manufacturing. He began his career as an Extension Specialist at NCSU, followed by several years as a Senior Scientist at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory before joining FMC Corporation. There he served an a variety of management positions including Missile Systems Marketing Manager before moving to KX Industries as Director of Sales and Marketing. During his time at KX he helped the company grow from $2 million in annual revenue to more than $22 million.
Mark graduated from Sanderson High School in Raleigh and earned a BS degree in Education and an MS degree in Human Factors Engineering from NC State. He also holds a Diploma in Program Management from the Defense Systems Management College.
Mark is proud to have served our country as a US Marine. His Military Occupation Specialty was logistics. He learned to drive heavy off road equipment and served as a trainer for other Marines. He received Expert badges in both rifle and pistol marksmanship and trained in Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense.
Your support and contributions will enable Mark to serve the residents of Wake County in the capacity of Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor.
Establishment of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
“As a result of the economic and agricultural devastation of the dust storms of the 1920’s, Dr. Hugh Hammond Bennett, a North Carolina native, urged President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Congress to pass legislation in 1937 that led to national Soil Conservation initiatives and locally led conservation programs. That same year, the North Carolina General Assembly passed Chapter 139 of the NC General Statutes which allowed for Soil and Water Conservation Districts to be formed.
The Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District was initially part of the Neuse River Soil Conservation District, established March 22, 1939. Districts in NC at that time were established by watershed rather than jurisdictional boundaries and our District area encompassed Durham, Wilson, Orange, Johnston and Wake Counties. But in the 1960’s Districts in NC began splintering off into smaller “county-based” districts due to the diversity of program needs within the watersheds.” 1.
What Defines a Soil and Water District
“A Soil and Water Conservation District is a "governmental subdivision of this State, a public body corporate and politic, organized under the provisions of Chapter 139 of the General Statutes of the State of North Carolina, entitled Soil and Water Conservation Districts Law of North Carolina and is subject to the powers and restrictions set forth in NCGS 139."
Districts are the only government entity responsible for coordinating and carrying out a local natural resources conservation program. Through these Soil and Water Districts, farmers and other land users, institutions, and community groups can manage their own conservation programs. Soil and Water Conservation Districts must meet these guidelines:
Districts are responsible for local involvement with the Agriculture Cost Share Program for Non-point Source Pollution Control and especially in controlling sediment, nutrients, animal wastes, and pesticides. Districts look for opportunities to involve conservation education as part of professional education--including reaching teachers, administrators, churches, media, civic clubs, and Scouts.”2
1. Durham County website. https://www.dconc.gov/county-departments/departments-f-z/soil-water-conservation-district/history
2. Chatham County website. https://www.chathamcountync.gov/government/departments-programs-i-z/soil-water-conservation-district/history-of-soil-water-conservation-districts?locale=en
