Cooperator of the Year
& CREP Awards
~ Recognizing outstanding dedicated Conservationists ~
For decades the Lucas SWCD has chosen annually to honor deserving Lucas County agricultural producers, landowners and other community partners with the Cooperator of the Year Award for excellence and commitment to conservation - with their land, their communities and in their personal lives. Cooperators who are landowners install conservation practices on their land that help improve water quality, reduce erosion, improve soil retention and fertility, provide wildlife habitat and other environmental benefits. Cooperators who are partners often assist and support the Lucas SWCD in its mission to increase conservation efforts in Lucas County.
The annual CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) Award winners are nominated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for outstanding land projects that utilize the CREP program. The Lucas SWCD Board then votes to confer the award to the qualifying projects. These landowners show a strong commitment to planning and caring for their properties, for the wise use and stewardship of our natural resources to benefit water, soil, and wildlife. Their passion for the land is truly inspiring!
The annual CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) Award winners are nominated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for outstanding land projects that utilize the CREP program. The Lucas SWCD Board then votes to confer the award to the qualifying projects. These landowners show a strong commitment to planning and caring for their properties, for the wise use and stewardship of our natural resources to benefit water, soil, and wildlife. Their passion for the land is truly inspiring!
Our Earth is a better place because of these dedicated and caring people - thank you!!!!
(Scroll down to view our past winners):
~ 2021 Cooperator of the Year ~
Metroparks Toledo staff Jerri Fink, Jenella Hodel, Tim Schetter and Lucas SWCD staff Dj Mears.
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Metroparks Toledo
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2020 Cooperator of the Year
Shane Warner and Erin Nietz of LCAS
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2018 CREP
Josh Gerwin (NRCS), Richard & Linda Carstensen
Linda & Richard Carstensen
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2017 CREP
Susan Orosz, DMV and feathered friend
Dr. Susan Orosz, Julius Orosz Trust
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2017 CREP
Location area of Scheider CREP project
Jennifer & John Schneider
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2015 Cooperator
Aerial photo of Kusian Farm project
Byron Gary Kusian
Family Farm |
Previous Cooperator of the Year Award Winners:
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2014 - Steve & Paula Verhoff
2013 - Bob Hertzfeld 2012 - Aspiring Hands 2011 - Mike Szuberla -Toledo GROWS |
2010 - Bill & Betty Carstensen
2009 - Sr. Jeramias 2008/2007- Bill Bettinger (no link) 2006 - Al Guimond |
