Congratulations to the 2025 Conservation Award Winners!

2025 Outstanding Conservation Educator of the Year

​Jess Burns
4-H Educator, OSU Extension Lucas County

Jess Burns, an Ohio State Extension Educator in 4-H Youth Development, has her focus on Making the Best Better in Lucas County. Originally, she is from Chesterfield, Virginia. She went to college at West Virginia University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Management. After a short career as a biologist for the US Army, Jess realized she needed a career that would allow her to work with youth and get them excited about natural resources. That is when she found 4-H and got her start in Newport News, Virginia. She went on to earn her Masters of Natural Resources in Global Sustainability and has found her life’s calling as a 4-H Educator.

​The Lucas SWCD and Jess frequently partner on community events and are both participating members of the Environmental Education Committee of Northwest Ohio. Her generous nature and ability to adapt to any audience make her an excellent educator and community partner. We would like to thank Jess for all that she has done for environmental education and youth in our community!

2025 Community Partner of the Year

Shane Warner
Lucas County Agricultural Society

The purpose and mission of the Lucas County Agricultural Society, who manages the Lucas County Fair and the Lucas County Fairgrounds, is to promote a festive environment where the city meets country.

​Shane, and the rest of the staff at the Lucas County Agricultural Society, are an invaluable partner of the Lucas SWCD and we appreciate their unwavering effort to improve the connection between the urban and rural communities of Lucas County. Whether it is through our participation in the Lucas County Fair, their willingness to host our tree sale pick-up every spring, or being open to ideas for things like installing a rain garden on the property – Shane, and all others involved, are always highly accomodating of our needs. Thank you and congratulations!

2025 Cooperator of the Year - Rural/Large-scale Farm

J. Myers & Sons Farms
Swanton, Ohio

Established in 1829, one of Ohio’s oldest farms, J. Myers & Sons Farms is a row crop operation growing corn, soybeans, and wheat. Recognized by Ohio’s Historic Family Farms Program, the family has received Ohio Century Farm and Sesquicentennial Farm designations.

The family farm is located in Spencer Township and was also one of the first to establish an Agricultural Easement, permanently protecting the land from development. The Myers family has been a leader in agricultural conservation practices, actively growing cover crops on their farm for approximately 10 years to prevent run-off, soil erosion, and improving soil health. They are also active participants in the H2Ohio Program.

​Thank you, Myers Family, for the great work you have done, and continue to do, for agriculture, soil health, and water quality in Lucas County!

2025 Cooperator of the Year - Urban/Small-scale Farm

Michael Martaus
The Garden - 2045 Parkside Blvd., Toledo

The 2025 Outstanding Cooperator of the Year of an Urban/Small-scale Farm is presented to Michael Martaus and The Garden at 2045 Parkside Blvd. in Toledo.

​In his first year farming the property, Michael saw tremendous success in growing produce like potatoes, peppers, tomatos, herbs, and squash, all of which was donated to soup kitchens, schools, churches, and other places that cook a meal everyday. The farm is situated adjacent to Gesu Catholic School, St. Francis DeSales School, and The Sisters of the Visitation. Next year, he plans to expand the farm to include more beds, a rhubarb patch, and a pollinator prairie.

​Michael is also an inaugural member of the Toledo-area Urban Farmer Networking Group and has supported this new initiative in many ways, including coordinating the “Let’s Get Growing” raffle at the Lucas County Fair. We appreciate Michael and his efforts to grow food for our community and raise awareness of urban farming in Toledo!