William “Bill Vanderwende
Bill Vanderwende 1933-2020
William “Bill” Vanderwende was a conservationist, community servant, dairy and grain farmer, family man and friend. In 1968, he was SCDs Cooperator of the Year; ten years later he joined the board of supervisors and served as chairman from 1992 until his retirement in 2013. Vanderwende was instrumental in establishing the foundation for SCDs success; helping to implement the conservation cost share program, sediment and stormwater program, including the creation and development of the Center for the Inland Bays. In addition, he served on numerous community and agricultural organizations including the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts, Delaware Nutrient Management Commission, Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation, Farmland Preservation Board and Governor’s Council of Soil and Water Conservation. Many political officials relied on his expertise for agricultural related policies or regulations.
On July 15th, 2021 the Cashar W. Evan Conservation Center was renamed the Vanderwende-Evans Conservation Center to reflect and honor their two longest serving Board of Supervisors chairmen.
Cashar Evans
Cashar Evans 1910-1994
Cashar Evans was a devoted family man, farmer, small business entrepreneur, and conservationist. He served the people of
Sussex County and the state of Delaware in numerous capacities. Evans tenure on SCDs Board of Supervisors began in 1952, serving as chairman from 1976 until his retirement in 1991. In 1992 he was named an honorary board member. In 1961, Evans served
on the board of directors for the National Association of Conservation Districts and was chairman of the Youth Committee. Locally he served as president of the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts, manager of the Blackwater Tax Ditch and was a member of numerous community organizations. In 1962, the farmer made a switch, and with his wife Mabel, they opened the Fenwick Crab House.
“I’d like this territory to be better when I go out than it was when I came in.”
On Oct. 31, 1990, the SCD office building was completed and dedicated as the Cashar W. Evans Conservation Center.
Fred Mott
Fred Mott 1928-2021
Frederick T. Mott was involved with Soil, Water and Natural Resource Conservation related activities and interests for over 70 years. Starting in 1949 as a student trainee for the Soil Conservation Service, Fred went on to work professionally for the USDA Soil Conservation Service for 37 years. He also worked for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control as their first administrator of Conservation District Operations.
He served as a Conservation District Supervisor for 30 years. Fred served on conservation related committees as well, as a Past President of a local Chapter of Soil and Water Conservation Society and a member of the Floodplain/Drainage Advisory Committee. He is the recipient of the Kent County Delaware Medal for Meritorious Service as well as numerous other community service awards. Fred has had a lifelong interest in and exceptional track record of promoting natural resource conservation.
To me you all have given much
Support and love for many years
We at times can use a crutch
I honor you my chosen peers
I must admit on this great day
For times like this are very few
I’m glad you gave me time to say
I owe so very much to you
I never did one thing alone
I leaned on you to help me out
You are the best I’ve ever known
I love you all without a doubt
– Fred Mott