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We've Celebrated 50 years

1951-2001

This past May, the Hendricks County Soil & Water Conservation District celebrated it's 50th year of providing assistance to landowners with soil, water, and other natural resource assistance in the county.

On January 29, 2002 we celebrated our 50th Annual Meeting, at the Hendricks Community Building.

Joining us in the celebration were 160 people in attendance.

Business part of the meeting was:

Dave Wyeth was re-elected as supervisor
Jeff Boles, Circuit Court Judge gave the Oath of Office to Dave Wyeth and Jim Loughmiller, appointed supervisor.
Conservation Awards
- Conservation Farmer of the Year - was presented to Mike and Carol Ross of Eel River Township based upon their past accomplishments of reducing soil erosion and water quality practices consisting of: conservation tillage using no-till as their primary tillage practice; grass waterways; and grass buffer strips along open ditches. Besides receiving a plaque, Irving Materials, Inc. has sponsored this award by donating 5 yards of concrete to receiptant.
- Conservation Teacher of the Year - Dennis Hofer of North Salem Elementary in North Salem was presented the "Donald H. Lawson Award for Conservation Education". Hofer teaches fifth grade science and actively involves his students in learning about the outdoors. He was instrumental in developing the "Nature Center" at the school and uses the center in his teaching. His classroom is filled with nature items including skulls, furs, aquariums, and live animals. He also takes his students each year to Eagle Creek Park in Marion County to study natural resources. Recycling benefits are taught to the students in class and practices recycling at school and at home.

Program was present by Mark Lawson, son of Donald Lawson the co-founder, cooperator, and past supervisor of the District presented "The Past 50 Years" using a Power Point presentation reminiscing the past 50 years achievements and accomplishments of the District. A panel of past supervisors and past District Conservationist added to the presentation by adding significant descriptive tidbits about some of the pictures. Panelist consisted of: George Gladden, Harlan Truax, and Bill Rawlings (past supervisors); Bill Swern and Joe Hays (past District Conservationist).

Indiana's Soil and Water Conservation Districts are responsible for the soil and water conservation programs and are charged with managing and establishing good sound conservation to protect our natural resources within the county. The majority of the assistance comes from the Indiana Conservation Partnership including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and IDNR Div. of Soil Conservation. Wise use of our natural resources is of vital importance to the health and progress of the county. Our soil, water, and other natural resources are constantly under pressures that are unprecedented by a growing economy, a broadening technology, and increasing population. Our society today demands more of our natural resources and better management of our environment for living.

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