Meet Our Conservation Team

District Administrator  

Darlene Brewster 

Darlene was born and raised in western Pike County. She and husband, Joe, reside on their family's hay and cattle farm in Newton Twp.  Darlene's natural love of the outdoors and wildlife drew her to the field of conservation.  She enjoys working with the youth in the community to bring awareness to the importance of our natural resources. She brings to the district a strong agricultural background, and an eagerness to serve her community.  Darlene has worked in public service and for the Pike Soil and Water Conservation District for 26 years.   

Education Coordinator 

Katie Brunner 

Katie was raised on her family farm in Stockdale, where she developed a strong background in agriculture and a lifelong appreciation for conservation. Growing up on her family’s hillside farm, she experienced firsthand the challenges of caring for the land and learned the importance of sustainable practices that protect soil and water for future generations. A proud 4-H alum, Katie has always had a passion for education and youth involvement. She loves connecting with students and the community through interactive programs that make conservation fun and meaningful. She believes that inspiring the next generation to be good stewards of the land is one of the most important parts of her work. Katie is eager to bring her enthusiasm for conservation education to Pike County. She looks forward to working with schools, youth groups, and community members to promote awareness and stewardship of the land for years to come.

Agriculture Specialist 

Cris Spague

Cris Sprague was raised on a cattle and crop farm in Southeastern Ohio. Growing up, he was involved in 4-H as well as FFA where he served as State Treasurer. Cris graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s in Animal Science. Cris has been involved with the Ag industry in all his previous jobs with stops at the University of Findlay and most recently Maplecrest farms in Hillsboro, Ohio. He and his wife Megan, along with their son Griffin now reside in Western Pike county. Growing up on the hills of Washington county showed him the importance of conservation and how we need to be good stewards of the land. Cris is looking forward to getting out into the community and becoming a resource for producers and landowners. In his spare time, Cris enjoys being around family and tinkering is his garage.

Chair

Carla Buckler 

Carla is a lifetime resident of Pike County.  She and husband, Denny reside on their family farm in Sunfish Township. The couple have three children, Jennifer, Jonathon and Jordan. Carla is employed with Mid-America Conservation Services as an Administrative Assistant.

Vice Chair

Dave Adams

Dave and wife, Kristina, reside in Waverly, Ohio. Dave is a 1968 graduate of Waverly High School and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with a major in Forest Products from The Ohio State University in 1972. His career spanned 40 years in
the forest products industry and included wholesaling, manufacturing, importing, exporting and sales management. He has served and provided leadership on the Pike Soil and Water Conservation District Board for 9 years. He previously served as a
Director of the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Dave is enjoying retirement, keeping busy on his farm and spending time with grandkids.

Secretary/Treasurer

Mike Milam 

Mike lives on his 85 acre Zahn's Corner farm. Mike has three adult children David, Dennis and Amy. Mike worked thirty-seven years as a Chemical Engineer and Manager at the Atomic Plant in Piketon, Ohio.  The Milam's farm consists of pasture and woodland with acres being set aside for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). He is a 25-year member of the Piketon's Lions Club and a 50-year member of the Waverly Presbyterian Church where he serves as Assistant Treasurer and Bookkeeper. Mike has served on the Pike SWCD Board for eight years.

Fiscal Agent 

Alicia Lowe 

​ Alicia Lowe loves and brings vast knowledge of pollinators, specifically the monarch butterfly, to the board. She and husband, Steven, own and operate Butterfly Creek Preserve. The Lowe's invite the public to the pollinator habitat, located near Beaver, Ohio, to learn, explore, and grow a greater appreciation for pollinators.  Alicia and Steve also have Monarch Weigh Station#21910 located at Butterfly Creek Preserve. 

Member

Julie Evans 

​ Julie is a lifelong resident of Pike County and has a passion for nature! She is employed by Ohio State University Extension office in Pike County and has assisted in cooperative programming with the Pike Soil & Water Conservation District for many years. Julie Graduated from Morehead State University with a degree in biological and related sciences. In her spare time, Julie enjoys birdwatching, biblical scholarship and genealogy research with her grown daughter, Taylor.