QUEENSTOWN, Md. — The Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD) annually recognizes the service of outstanding supervisors, employees, cooperators, and others that make significant contributions to district programs. On August 5th, the association met virtually and presented a number of awards to deserving individuals and districts.
Thomas Briscoe with Calvert Soil Conservation District (SCD) was awarded Outstanding Leadership for his time as a supervisor and his leadership in the development of conservation programs.
MASCD’s Cooperator of the Year is Winders Dairy, Inc., Kirk and Kirklyn Winders of Smithsburg, MD in Washington County. Nominated by the Washington County Soil Conservation District, the Winders family operates a 130 head dairy farm and grows corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and barley. The Winders family has deep roots in the area having farmed at this location since 1912 and in Washington County since the late 1700s. In 2016, the Winders family undertook a stream restoration project on their farm to improve local water quality. They installed a forested stream buffer on Little Antietam Creek along with two watering facilities, a water well, and stream fencing. Grant funding was utilized to install a Best Available Technology septic system on the heifer farm to reduce nitrogen loading. In 2019, the Winders family completed a loafing lot management project to correct erosion and manure management issues from their barnyard. A total transformation of their heifer area included a roofed feeding area, two manure storage facilities, three roof runoff structures, a heavy use area protection, and 1.4 acres of forested stream buffer. All of these conservation practices produced a measurable and meaningful impact on water quality reducing 1,025 lbs of nitrogen, 22 lbs of phosphorus, and 5,491 lbs of sediment per year.
Montgomery County was recognized as the Conservation Education District for their efforts to educate students, local and state officials about conservation and environmental stewardship.
From Harford District, Christen Sullivan was presented the Outstanding Associate award. This award is for an Associate Supervisor who has made a significant contribution to any phase of District activities.
Timothy Wells with Charles SCD is the Employee Special Achievement winner. This achievement recognizes an employee who has made a significant contribution to any phase of district activities.
The 2019 Outstanding Employee is James Harne with Montgomery SCD. This award is for an employee who over time has consistently demonstrated considerable leadership and excellence in the execution of multiple duties and responsibilities.
From Howard SCD, Lara Sazbo-Banicz is a young individual that has made a significant contribution to District programs and conservation education in her county.
Howard and Montgomery County were recognized for their Outstanding Newsletters.
The final award is sponsored by MidAtlantic Farm Credit. The MidAtlantic Farm Credit Outstanding District Award recognizes Farm Credit’s support and J. Robert Frazee, past president. The criteria for selecting the district includes all activities of the district; meeting attendance, educational activities, planning, reporting, conservation practices installed, and much more. The 2019 district awardees are: First place – Montgomery SCD, Second place – St. Mary’s SCD, and Third place – Prince George’s SCD.
Congratulations to all, we appreciate your hard work and dedication to the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts.
–Jenell Eck, MASCD