Conservation awards presented at Sweet Arrow Lake

Aug. 20--PINE GROVE -- The beauty of Sweet Arrow Lake County Park provided a fitting backdrop for the presentation of the annual conservation awards on Tuesday by the Schuylkill Conservation District.

The protection and preservation of the environment, along with educational projects and programs to teach about nature and enjoy it with respect, are the heart of the annual awards. There were 11 awards presented to individuals, companies, organizations and school groups.

A major award each year is the Dr. James S. Shadle Conservation Farm of the Year, which for 2014 is the Wind Mill Farm in Pine Grove, owned by the Daubert family.

Accepting the award were farm owners Dennis Daubert, Ronald Ray Daubert and his daughter, Maddie. The award includes a plaque and a large metal roadside sign, which was presented by SCD Manager Elizabeth Hinkel, who spoke of the work being done at the farm, which includes acreage planted with corn and alfalfa, 160 Brown Swiss cows and 50 heifers.

"The Dauberts have been working with the Schuylkill Conservation District for many years," Hinkel said before the plaque presentation. "In 1989, they became the first Chesapeake Bay cooperator and also the first farm to install a manure storage project under the newly-established Chesapeake Bay Program. "Other Bay projects include the construction of two roofed bedded pack facilities and a system to prevent and control barnyard runoff. They were also the first cooperator to develop and implement a nutrient management plan."

According to Hinkel, the Dauberts are ahead of the curve on another practice that helps protect the land.

"There has been a big push in recent years to encourage farmers to adopt no-till and cover crops to reduce erosion and improve soil health," Hinkel said. "Most farmers have only adopted these practices in the last few years, but the Dauberts saw those benefits a long time ago, as they have been doing both for 30 years."

Hinkel concluded, "Wind Mill Farm is certainly a family-run business, with three generations actively involved in it at this time. Each step they take in their conservation efforts continues to build on those that they already have in place. It is obvious that the Daubert family has a genuine concern for the environment and understands that by caring for it, they are making these resources available for generations to come. Congratulations."

Environmental education coordinator Patrick M. "Porcupine Pat" McKinney said, "They be getting this sign that they'll place on their property. If you drive around the backroads of this county, you see a number of these signs placed out there."

"We'd like to thank the conservation district for giving us this award," Dennis Daubert said. "We have not used any commercial fertilizer for the last three years. We found out we can actually grow corn without commercial fertilizer and just use manure. No tilling keeps the ground in good shape. Lots of earthworms out there now."

Hinkel welcomed everyone as the awards ceremony began after a luncheon provided by Hess Catering. The conservation district board held its monthly meeting in the morning in the park's clubhouse.

The following 2014 Schuylkill Conservation District awards were presented:

--Volunteer of the Year: Arlene Deibert, Klingerstown, for her efforts in making sure that "The Gap" is a scenic drive between Klingerstown and Erdman. Submitted by Sally Bair.

--Educator of the Year: Kathy Blasser, Frackville, of Saint Clair Elementary/Middle School. Blasser inspires a love of learning especially about our environment through a wide range of activities that include involvement with the school's Junior Honor Society, Saint Clair Up All Night and assisting with the Bear Creek Festival.

--Professional of the Year: Susan Hyland, Lake Wynonah, who coordinates the Master Gardeners of Schuylkill County for her inspiration and support for this group that does much to help our county.

--Media Conservation Award: Doyle Dietz, Deer Lake, for his able help and talent in promoting the Norm Thornburg Youth Conservation Camp and other initiatives through his full-page Outdoor Section of The Republican-Herald.

--Forest Stewardship Award: Tri-Valley Area School District for the forestry projects and their environmental education center development.

--Organization of the Year: Penn State Schuylkill students under the guidance of Leadership and Development and Community Service Coordinator Tina Rose. Projects include cleaning Landingville Marsh and the nearby Bartram Trail plus helping at Healthy Haven event.

--Conservation Service Award-Business: Kurt Blazer of TRC Solutions, who is a consultant for PennDOT for Route 61 in Deer Lake. He is doing much to insure that erosion controls are implemented and that water quality is a high priority.

--Conservation Service Award-Business: Darrick Ballreich, project manager for HRI Inc., who is insuring that the work on Route 61 is going well for conservation.

--Youth Conservationist of the Year: Blue Mountain Green Club for the assistance that they provide in projects that include the Bear Creek Festival.

--Conservation Farm of the Year: Daubert Family Farm</org>, Pine Grove, for implementing top-notch soil and water conservation practices.

--Conservation Award of Public Service: Sierra Gladfelter, New Ringgold, for her intense passion in the pursuit of numerous environmental projects, including Schuylkill Acts and Impacts.

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