Thomas Bolles, agriculture and natural resources in Prince William County

Thomas Bolles, an agriculture and natural resources agent in Prince William County, first became involved with Extension as a volunteer. After completing Extension Master Gardener training, his passion for landscape management and community resiliency led him to eventually become an agent.

Today, Thomas works with homeowners, gardeners, and local organizations to promote soil health, protect water quality, and encourage responsible landscape management. Through initiatives like the Prince William Seed Library Coalition, he brings people and resources together, strengthening communities by bringing research-based solutions to the people of the Prince William County.

This story is part of Get to Know Extension, a Q&A series highlighting the people who make Virginia Cooperative Extension’s mission possible.

How did you get started in Extension?
“I started my career as a teacher before spending time overseas doing development work. When I returned, I wasn't interested in going back into the classroom, so I enrolled in an Extension Master Gardener course. By the time I finished the program, there was an opening for a program assistant position. What I thought might be a temporary job turned into a career because I discovered how much I enjoyed helping people through Extension. I joined Virginia Cooperative Extension in 2010 and became an Extension Agent in 2019.”

What does Extension mean to you personally and professionally?
“Extension is a lot like family. One of the things I value most is knowing that if I need help, someone in another county or program area is always willing to lend their expertise. Professionally, it's the best job I've ever had. Personally, I enjoy helping people and knowing that every day is different. There really is no "typical day" in Extension, and that's one of the reasons I love it.”

What project has made you most proud to work for Extension?
“One project I'm especially proud of is helping create the Prince William Seed Library Coalition. We partner with local libraries and garden clubs to provide free seed packets to residents, many of whom may be experiencing food insecurity. I'm also proud of my work in soil health, particularly translating research into practical information that homeowners and small-scale producers can use to build healthier soils and reduce runoff.”

How does your work make a difference in the community?
“Much of my work focuses on helping residents protect water quality and manage their landscapes responsibly. Through nutrient management plans, soil health education, and programs like Healthy Virginia Lawns, we give people the tools they need to make informed decisions. Because Prince William County has a large military and government population, we also help many newcomers adapt to Virginia's unique growing conditions.”

What is one misconception people have about Extension?
“A common misconception is that Extension only serves agriculture or large farming operations. In reality, we work with homeowners, gardeners, families, youth, businesses, and entire communities. Another misconception is that research-based recommendations are driven by outside interests. My goal is always to provide science-based information that helps people make responsible decisions for their land, water, and communities.”

What is a typical day or week like in your role?
“There really isn't a typical day. Depending on the season, I might be working in our demonstration garden, teaching classes, attending meetings, conducting site visits, or consulting with homeowners and organizations. One day I may help a resident with lawn care, and the next I may work with a business interested in creating native plant landscapes. The variety keeps the work interesting.”

What advice would you give someone beginning a career in Extension?
“Build a strong network. Find people who are willing to share their knowledge and support your growth, then stay connected with them. Don't limit yourself to your own discipline. Some of the best opportunities and ideas come from working with colleagues across Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H, Family and Consumer Sciences, and other program areas.”

What are you currently most excited about?
“Right now, I'm excited about a statewide project focused on pulses, including beans, lentils, and chickpeas. The initiative brings together people from multiple disciplines to explore the connections between food, culture, health, and community. I hope the project encourages conversations about nutrition, affordability, and the personal stories people associate with food while helping Virginians discover new and healthy food options.”

Why is Extension important?
“Extension solves problems and meets people where they are. Not everyone needs to understand the science behind soil chemistry or plant biology, but they do need practical answers they can use in their daily lives. Extension takes research-based information and translates it into solutions that help individuals, families, and communities thrive.”