The Lancaster County Conservation District recognized outstanding efforts in natural resource conservation this spring at the organization's 71st Awards Banquet at the Farm and Home Center in Lancaster.

The 2024 Outstanding Cooperator of the Year Award was presented to the Oberholtzer family farm of Clark and Marissa Oberholtzer, located in Peach Bottom. This distinction is given to a farm operation that has a well-developed working relationship with the Conservation District and partnering agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, and has demonstrated a commitment to conserving the natural resources on its farm. In the five years since the Oberholtzers acquired the farm, Clark has implemented more than 5,100 feet of piped-outlet terraces; 2,600 feet of associated pipe work; 1,100 feet of grassed waterways; and 9.5 acres of a riparian buffer with the USDA's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, totaling 1,800 native trees and shrubs planted on the property. Clark has gone above and beyond to conserve the natural resources on his farm for generations to come.

The 2024 Soil Stewardship Award went to Lloyd King of Salisbury Township. This award is presented to a member of the agriculture community in recognition of the recipient's commitment to conserving soil and water on his or her farm. King operates a dairy farm that he started 15 years ago, where he milks 70 cows and manages heifers and calves. He manages his herd by rotationally grazing them on 22 acres of pasture. He manages his pastures in a system that can graze all his cows while maintaining dense vegetation year-round.

The Watershed Department awarded the 2024 Watershed Project Award to Simeon Esh, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Unique Excavating, Donegal Trout Unlimited, and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Each partner played a key role in a stream restoration project on the Conowingo Creek. Their collaboration throughout the project, from landowner approval to securing a grant to installing the project, helped make the restoration successful. In total, the project restored 3,000 feet of aquatic habitat and created 4.5 acres of riparian buffer.

The Erosion and Sedimentation Department presented the 2024 Building Industry Resource Conservation Award to the Walnut Street extension project and its key stakeholders, including High Associates, RETTEW, and Kinsley Construction. The recipients were recognized for their commitment to meeting the regulatory requirements of Chapter 102, demonstrating clear and consistent communication, and joining in the work of conserving the soil and water resources of Pennsylvania.

Ephrata Middle School teachers Jennifer Trout and Joshua Haupt were each honored with a Conservation Educators Award. They were recognized for their dedication to personal and professional development about environmental literacy and their creative connections to engage students in local real-world water quality topics about stormwater and watersheds.