Conservation Farmer of the Year: Phil Springstun
Not Pictured:
Business Partner of the Year: B-Hive Printing |
Young Farmer of the Year: Jacob Duncan
Not Pictured: Volunteer of the Year: Adriana Chavez |
Conservation Partner of the Year: Campbell Township Conservation Club
|
River Friendly Farmer: Jerry Durcholz
|
Urban Conservation Partner of the Year: Roger & Mary Winstead
|
CASTLE FFA has 20 members this year in 9-12th grade. Their major activities from 2024- Farm Machinery Show, hosted a staff appreciation breakfast during FFA Week, volunteer at Ag Days and Pioneer Days. Miley Titzer was awarded the Hoosier Degree during State Convention at Purdue, advanced and competed in the state soils evaluation and entomology contests, attended National FFA Convention, hosted a community trunk or treat, and participated in the Boonville Christmas Parade.
BOONVILLE FFA stayed busy this last year with 72 members in their group. The group was busy this past year competing in crops, forestry, entomology, welding and District Leadership Development Event Contests. Autumn Snow won first in the welding contest and State Convention saw Rosalind Kidwell placing 2nd in the state for prepared public speaking competition. The group was then busy volunteering with Pioneer Days, Ag Days and other activities.
|
TECUMSEH FFA is a chapter of 36 high school members and 80 middle school members. They have a chapter that is very involved in our community and creating school events such as drive your tractor to school day, Farm Bureau's Ag Days, working events at the local elementary schools, competing and various competitions, attending National and State FFA conventions. Tecumseh is also getting ready to host one of their favorite annual events: a petting zoo in the welding shop for the whole school that features a cow, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and even an alpaca. The classroom offers several pathways to graduation as we have 8 different agriculture courses being taught each day where students learn about agriculture business, animal science, plant science, veterinary medicine,
|
The 10 acre field where Chandler continues to develop a Nature Park is located between Iowa and State Street. It has previously been an unattractive and dormant property with a retention area on the west end of the property to help mitigate flooding in a nearby neighborhood. The property was simply more maintenance for the town. While sharing ideas for Chandler and talking with Holly McCutchan in May of 2023, the idea of using the area for a Nature Park was born and the development has continued to grow. Derrick Potts, a Landscape Designer, donated his time and creativity to drafting a Master Plan that includes native hardwood trees, native flowers, sunflower patch, observation areas and walking trails with decorative pedestrian bridges over drainage ditches. In the fall of 2023, the first acre was prepared and native flowers were planted. Estimates for a continuous perimeter walking path are being solicited and the search for a grant is underway. The plan for this area is that it will be a preservation of natural beauty, an educational experience for nature lovers, provide quiet walking paths and continue to serve as a mitigation for Stormwater. More planting will take place this year while in pursuit of the walking path that we hope to start early in 2026. Chandler is also participating in DNR’s Wetland Stream and Mitigation Program with 29 acres owned by Chandler on the west side of town was granted a perpetual Conservation Easement by DNR for the development of Wetland Preservation that will include native trees, flowers and walking paths. Chandler would like to recognize Derrick Potts for his design work and consultation, Morgan Oberly, Wildlife Biologist with DNR and the assistance of Warrick SWCD.
|
The Warrick Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining our community’s beautiful parks, trails, and public spaces for the enjoyment of residents and visitors for generations to come. Each year, the Warrick Parks Foundation (WPF) raises funds through donations and its signature events to help install and support projects and programs requested by Friedman Park, the Friedman Park Event Center, and Scales Lake Park. The WPF Board of directors reviews these requests and selects several to fund. In addition, the WPF partners with Warrick Trails to host two annual events - Race the Trails and Party in Paradise - and the revenue is split evenly, with Warrick Trails' portion being reserved for future trails maintenance. Warrick Parks Foundation has been a huge financial supporter of Conservation Crusaders for the past 3 years. We appreciate their support to keep this program a free program for all!
|