Meet our Staff

 

Megen Dalton

District Manager
540-534-3049
megen.dalton@svswcd.org
Fun fact: I love Costco!

Megen Dalton joined the District in 1999 as a Conservation Technician and celebrated her 25th year with the District in 2024. As District Manager, Megen oversees the delivery of all District programs and services. Over the years, she has participated in state-level committees and work groups. She also has a strong connection with the Virginia Association of Conservation District Employees (VACDE) and has served as its president. She is currently VACDE Area 1 Representative. A Virginia Tech graduate with a bachelor of science degree in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences and a minor in Agricultural Economics, Megen lives in her hometown, Woodstock. In her free time, Megen likes to garden and work in her yard. She also likes to spend time with her family and friends. She is a Girl Scout leader and serves as the Service Unit Manager for Shenandoah County Girl Scouts Megen is a member of the Seven Bends Ruritan club.

Elizabeth Dellinger

Conservation Specialist and
Operations Leader
540-534-3031
elizabeth.dellinger@svswcd.org
Fun fact: I don’t like tea or coffee, but I can’t go without milk!

Elizabeth Dellinger joined the District in 2012 and is the most senior of the District’s Conservation Specialists as well as responsible for the District’s financial management. She leads the District’s VACS program and focuses her work on animal waste projects. She also serves on several state-level committees to improve the cost-share program and is Treasurer for the Virginia Association of Conservation District Employees. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a bachelor of science degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics and a minor in Dairy Science. Elizabeth grew up on a farm in the Mount Solon area that raises broilers. Initially, it was a beef cow/calf operation that transitioned to raising dairy replacement heifers and, with the purchase of an additional farm, transitioned to a dairy operation. Throughout her childhood and teen years, she participated in 4-H and FFA activities.  She enjoys spending time with her two children and large extended family.

Megan Trice

Conservation Specialist and
Education Coordinator
540-534-3051
megan.trice@svswcd.org
Fun fact: I collect antique Pyrex bowls!

Megan Trice began work with the District as an intern in 2014 while a student at Bridgewater College working on her bachelor of science degree in Biology and minor in Environmental Science. Megan works to implement agricultural BMPs through the VACS program, but also spends much of her time providing outreach and environmental education to local schools and community organizations. Born and raised in Rockingham County, where she still lives, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband, son, pets, friends, and family. She is a frequent blue ribbon winner at the Rockingham County Fair and serves as Department Chair for the Junior Homemaking Department. She enjoys baking and any kind of crafting activity.

 

Josh Walker

Conservation Engineering Specialist
540-534-3070
josh.walker@svswcd.org
Fun fact: Dairy cattle are my favorite animals.

Josh Walker was a dairy farmer and then a Conservation Technician at Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District before joining the Shenandoah Valley District in July of 2020 . Walker develops engineering designs and manages the District’s National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Manure Injection Grant.  Josh grew up in Weyers Cave and studied Dairy Science at Virginia Tech. He has a small farm in the Fort Defiance area, where he enjoys managing plots for crop production experiments. He enjoys spending time with his family and gardening, canoeing, fishing, and hiking.

Shelby Foosness

Conservation Specialist and
Dam Technician
540-534-3050
shelby.foosness@svswcd.org
Fun fact: My goal is to fish the entire North Fork, South Fork, and Main Stem of the Shenandoah River!

Shelby Foosness joined the District in June of 2022. Her role with the District is to implement agricultural BMPs through the VACS program with a focus on the annual practices. She also works on maintenance and management of the District’s eight flood control dams. Shelby earned a bachelor of science degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Freshwater Resources from Bridgewater College in 2021. Originally from Spotsylvania, Shelby now resides in Harrisonburg. She enjoys all things fresh water and fishes! When not at work, Shelby can be found kayaking and fishing, hiking or camping with her boyfriend and dog. She also enjoys reading and many crafty activities!

Hunter Arehart

Conservation Technician
540-534-3055
hunter.arehart@svswcd.org

Fun fact: I am a massive Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Hunter Arehart joined the District in October of 2024 to assist with implementation of agricultural BMPs through the VACS program. A resident of Churchville – born and raised – he earned his bachelor of science degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology from Bridgewater College in the spring of 2024. After graduation Hunter worked for the District as a seasonal staff as a Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Testing (PSNT) Technician completing PSNT testing across the service area during the summer of 2024. In his spare time Hunter enjoys hiking and playing basketball and disc golf.

Jack Carlton

Conservation Specialist
540-534-3054
jack.carlton@svswcd.org

Fun Fact: I am a Virginia DWR expert smallmouth bass angler

Jack Carlton joined the District in October of 2024 to assist with the implementation of agricultural BMPs, outreach and education programs, and the implementation of urban BMPs. Jack earned a bachelor of science degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Freshwater Resources from Bridgewater College in 2021. After graduation he made the move from his hometown of Hanover to Harrisonburg. Prior to joining the Shenandoah Valley District, Jack was a Conservation Technician at the Headwaters District for three years. Outside of work you can find Jack fishing, kayaking, rooting for his favorite sports teams (Red Sox, Vikings, and Celtics), golfing, lifting weights or spending time with his girlfriend and friends.

VACANT

Conservation Technician

VACANT

Administrative Coordinator