Cooperator of the Year & CREP Awards

Cooperator of the Year
& CRP/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!

Our Earth is a better place because of these dedicated and caring people - thank you!!!!

(Scroll down to view our past winners):

~ 2024 Award Winners ~

2024 Cooperator of the Year

MacQueen Orchards
Holland, Ohio

The 2024 Outstanding Cooperator of the Year is presented to MacQueen Orchards, for their willingness to be the featured farm for the inaugural Lucas County Farm Connection held on July 20th. The event brought together both the agricultural and non-agricultural communities for a day of learning, family-fun, and inspiration for the future of what is Home Grown in Lucas County.

MacQueen Orchards is a true family farm of Lucas County, having been in operation since 1936 when the first apple tree was planted. Today the 200-acre orchard produces apples, peaches, and pumpkins. In addition to fresh produce, visitors can enjoy the bakery, cider mill, retail farm market/gift shop, and Christmas store. We are grateful to the MacQueen family and their contributions to our community!

2024 CREP Award

Gary Meinke
Jerusalem Township

Gary Meinke (1941-2023) is being recognized posthumously with this award to bring attention to his love of nature and dedication to environmental stewardship. The Meinke Family owns and operates Meinke Marina, which started in 1979 and is now the largest marina on Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline.

Through CREP, Mr. Meinke installed two wetlands adjacent to Crane Creek. In total, 23 acres of tile drainage is directed via a pump system into the wetlands from nearby agricultural fields. The wetlands are approximately 3 miles from the Lake Erie shore and not only filter water but provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. Thank you Mr. Meinke and family!