Name as it appears on the ballot: Ja’Nell Henry 

Credit: Kumolu Studios

Age: 37 

Party affiliation: Unaffiliated 

Campaign website: www.rootedforjanell.com 

Occupation & employer: Executive Director, Black Farmers’ Market 

1. Why are you running for the position of Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor? In your answer, please explain your understanding of the role and why it is important. 

I’m running for Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor because I want to help ensure that the community is continuously centered as part of important conversations about conservation and environmental protection. I’ve lived in Durham most of my life, and I’ve grown more and more aware about how environmental decisions impact our neighborhoods, from farming communities to urban areas. This role is about more than just protecting soil and water, it’s about doing my part to make sure all of Durham’s residents have access to healthy environments and sustainable land use practices. 

The Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor works to address issues like erosion control, water quality, and the sustainable use of natural resources. These efforts directly impact our health, food systems, and local economy. For me, it’s essential that we include underserved and marginalized communities in these decisions, ensuring that conservation benefits everyone, not just a select few. 

Through my work co-founding the Black Farmers’ Market, experience with asset based community development, and serving on the Stagville Descendants Council, I’ve learned the importance of community-centered leadership. I’m passionate about bringing those experiences to this role to support the District and staff in making conservation efforts even more accessible and relevant to

all Durham residents. I believe my experiences in community organizing and working with Black farmers will allow me to represent diverse voices and ensure that conservation efforts are equitable and sustainable for generations to come. 

2. What are the three most pressing natural resources issues in the county? How do you plan to address these issues? Please be specific. 

As I continue learning more about conservation, I see three of the most pressing natural resource issues in Durham County as water quality, erosion control, and sustainable land use. While I’m still gaining a deeper understanding of these issues, I plan to lean on the expertise of my fellow Supervisors, Soil and Water Conservation Department staff, environmental justice activists, and the community to guide what we should prioritize in the work I advocate for. 

Water quality is crucial because clean, safe water is a basic need for all of us, and protecting our watersheds and reducing pollution will be essential to preserving this resource. As a Supervisor, I can help by supporting educational programs and policies that promote sustainable practices to reduce contaminants entering our water systems, especially in underserved areas. 

Erosion control is also critical, especially for our farming communities. I plan to work with local farmers and experts to ensure they have access to the resources and knowledge needed to prevent soil loss and manage their land sustainably. This is something I already focus on with my work in the Black Farmers’ Market, and I hope to expand this through conservation programs. 

Lastly, sustainable land use is important as Durham continues to grow. Ensuring that we protect green spaces and support smart development will help maintain the balance between growth and environmental stewardship. As a Supervisor, I can advocate for conservation policies that promote responsible land management and make sure the community’s voice is part of the decision-making process. 

I want to be realistic about what can be achieved within the role of a Supervisor and I’m committed to learning, collaborating, and advocating for the conservation strategies that will benefit all of Durham County.

3. Identify examples of how the district can best balance agricultural/rural and urban interests in regards to soil and water conservation. 

Balancing agricultural/rural and urban interests in soil and water conservation is essential to ensuring the overall health and sustainability of Durham County. Both areas have unique needs, and the district can play a crucial role in bridging these interests through collaboration, education, and equitable resource distribution. 

In rural areas, particularly with our farming communities, the district can continue providing technical support and conservation programs that focus on erosion control, soil health, and water management. For example, farmers need sustainable practices to preserve their land, prevent soil degradation, and protect local water sources. As someone who works closely with Black farmers through the Black Farmers’ Market, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of providing the right tools and resources to ensure long-term land viability. The district can help by ensuring that farmers, especially those from historically marginalized communities, have access to conservation grants and technical assistance to implement these practices. 

For urban areas, the focus can shift toward water management and sustainable land use as our city continues to grow. Green infrastructure projects, like rain gardens and permeable pavement, can help manage stormwater runoff, prevent flooding, and reduce pollution in our waterways. It’s also important to promote urban agriculture and community gardens, which not only address food access but also contribute to healthier soil and better environmental outcomes in the city. 

Ultimately, the best way to balance these interests is through ongoing collaboration. The district acts as a connector, bringing rural and urban stakeholders together to share knowledge, resources, and solutions that benefit everyone. By being intentional about inclusivity and equity in our conservation efforts, we can ensure that both our agricultural and urban communities thrive in a sustainable, balanced way. 

I’m hopeful about the possibilities and realistic about what can be achieved within the role of a Supervisor. My focus will be on supporting the incredible work that’s already being done while pushing for new, innovative solutions that meet the needs of all of Durham County’s residents.

4. What funding issues are facing the Soil and Water Conservation District? How would you ensure the district receives full funding? Are there alternative funding sources the district could explore? If so, what are they? 

From what I am learning, the Soil and Water Conservation District receives its funding through a mix of County, State, and Federal dollars. Supervisors work through the District and support the local departments, which implements the work on the ground. At this time, there is no major concern regarding funding 

that I’m aware of. The Soil and Water Conservation Department in Durham does an amazing job of securing the funding needed for its projects, and much of that comes from their ability to find grants and other alternative sources to support conservation efforts. 

From listening to the department staff and reading the latest annual report, I’ve learned that they take pride in finding these additional funding streams (and rightfully so), which means more of Durham’s tax dollars can go to other critical departments and projects that support our community. If the staff ever need extra support, I’d love to lend my event planning skills to organize fundraising events or other creative ways of raising money for new projects. While the current funding model seems sustainable, I’m always open to exploring new opportunities to ensure that we can continue the vital work of soil and water conservation here in Durham. 

5. Many residents don’t know what the Soil and Water Conservation District actually does. In what ways would you reach out to residents to educate them? 

I completely agree. Many residents don’t know what the Soil and Water Conservation District and Department actually does, and to be honest, before being introduced to the work, I had no clue about the position or the department either. That’s why I’m passionate about making sure more people in Durham understand the important work being done to protect our natural resources and how it directly impacts their lives. 

One way I plan to reach out is by providing space at the Black Farmers’ Market for department staff to come and interact with the community. This would create an opportunity for residents to ask questions, learn more about conservation efforts, and even participate in educational activities with their kids. It’s about continuing to bring the department into spaces where people already gather and feel comfortable. I also plan to use my campaign’s Instagram and other social media platforms to educate followers through

interactive trivia and sharing general information on the work of the department. This can be a great way to reach a broader audience and make conservation more relatable and accessible. 

I want to acknowledge that the staff in our department are already doing a great job by working with local high schools like Riverside and Southern, and I hope to uplift and help expand their work in communities that may not be as familiar with it. By highlighting their efforts and building awareness, I aim to inspire others to not only get involved but also consider running for this position in the future, even if they don’t come from a traditional conservation background. The more connected we are as a community, the more we can all contribute to protecting and sustaining Durham for generations to come. 

6. What is the district’s role in making sure residents’ water–including those people who use wells―is safe to drink? What role, if any, should the district play in safeguarding the local water supply from emerging contaminants? 

The district plays an important role in helping ensure that Durham’s water, including for those who rely on wells, like my father, is safe to drink. While I’m still learning about all the specific ways this happens, I know department staff works closely with local experts and other departments to monitor water quality and provide technical assistance to landowners, which can include safety measures. When it comes to emerging contaminants, the district should collaborate with environmental justice activists, other departments with the city and county, water specialists, and the community to stay informed and address these risks. My role will include learning and advocating for sustainable practices that protect our water resources and make sure everyone has access to and education around how to keep water clean and safe. 

7. Are there any other issues you would like to address?