NEWS RELEASE

 NACD Honors National Award Winners at 79th Annual Meeting

Salt Lake City, UT – Yesterday, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) recognized winners of national service awards at the association’s 79th Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Hugh Hammond Bennett National Awards for Conservation Excellence 

The National Conservation Planning Partnership’s (NCPP) Hugh Hammond Bennett Awards for Conservation Excellence honor the legacy of Hugh Hammond Bennett, known as “The Father of Soil Conservation.” National awards were presented to one planner and one producer who have demonstrated commitment to conservation planning, pioneered new approaches to planning, and advanced soil health adoption through civic engagement. 

The Hugh Hammond Bennett Conservation Planner Award was presented to Brandon Bing of Temple, Texas. Bing is an expert in his field and is highly respected by peers, partners, and landowners across the state. In 2016, Bing created a grassroots grazing group with landowners, partners, and other conservation professionals to exchange information and learn from experts in the conservation field. An expert at building working relationships, he has also worked closely with local conservation districts, the Texas Grazing Lands Coalition, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and more.  

The Hugh Hammond Bennett Conservation Producer Award was presented to Shaun and Linda Gillilland of Ben Wever Farm in Willsboro, NY. Led by Shaun and Linda Gillilland, the intergenerational family management behind Ben Wever Farm integrates diverse practices and adaptive strategies to improve the environmental resilience and economic viability of their farm. Deeply engaged in their community, they host numerous educational and social events and lead various organizations. Shaun serves as the Chair of the County Board of Supervisors, and Linda is the Executive Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension – Clinton. The Gillillands’ holistic and forward-thinking approach to farming ensures the sustainability and resilience of their farm, serving as an inspiration and model for other farmers and landowners. 

Hugh Hammond Bennett Regional Awards for Conservation Excellence 

Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award 

The Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award was established in partnership between NACD and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and is presented to an individual, district, or organization that has gone above and beyond to promote private lands conservation. Sims, a rancher from McFadden, WY, was a longstanding leader in NACD who dedicated his life to volunteer service and conservation. The award serves as a testament to the memory and legacy of Sims. 

The Olin Sims Award was presented to Jim Berlier of Estancia, NM. Jim Berlier is a rancher, entrepreneur, mentor, motivator, and leader. He has been involved with the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts for more than 20 years, is an NACD Soil Health Champion, has worked alongside NRCS, and has served on various boards. He is a true conservationist who shares this nation’s natural resource issues and the conservation message with others.   

NACD Friend of Conservation Award 

NACD’s Friend of Conservation Award recognizes an individual, business, organization, or agency outside the association for outstanding contributions to the conservation of our nation’s natural resources. 

The Friends of Conservation Award was presented to Dr. Rod Williams and Nick Burgmeier with the Help the Hellbender Project from Purdue University in Lafayette, IN. Led by Dr. Rod Williams and Nick Burgmeier, the Help the Hellbender Project combines research, education, and conservation to enhance the Hellbender’s habitat and promote awareness. Through a captive-rearing program that has released approximately 500 hellbenders since 2017, their project is helping to restore the dwindling population of hellbenders in Indiana’s Sinking Blue River Watershed. The Help the Hellbender Project’s multifaceted approach has benefitted both local communities and wildlife now and into the future.   

NACD Distinguished Service Award 

The NACD Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual within the association, a conservation district, or a state association who has made significant contributions to the conservation and proper management of our nation’s natural resources. 

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Stephen A. Coleman of Frankfort, KY. Coleman has devoted his life and career to conserving natural resources and continues to work diligently for the cause. He began his conservation career as Assistant Director and then Director of the Kentucky State Division of Conservation for 30 years. Coleman has been an irreplaceable advisor, supervisor, and member of various committees, working groups, boards, and other organizations across all levels of governance. He is a Lifetime NACD Member and was inducted into the regional NACD Hall of Fame in 2013. Coleman is a leader, mentor, and, most importantly, a friend to so many people in conservation.  

NACD President’s Award 

The NACD President’s Award is presented to an individual or organization that has been especially dedicated to advancing conservation during the president’s term. This year’s awardee is Mark Masters, First Vice President of Georgia. 

National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA) Awards 

Vincent Cordova of Guadalupe Soil and Water Conservation District in Santa Rosa, NM, was recognized as a recipient of the National Conservation District Employees Association’s (NCDEA) Outstanding Conservation District Board Member Award. As Chairman of the Guadalupe Soil and Water Conservation District, Vincent has been the driving force behind transformative initiatives, tackling watershed erosion and invasive species and bringing more money and resources to his community. He has also collaborated with state, regional, and national partners to advance conservation. Cordova has brought unmatched expertise and passion to the conservation field, positively affecting countless farmers, ranchers, stakeholders, and future generations. 

Lynn Pilewski of Greenville Soil and Water Conservation District Greenville, SC, was awarded NCDEA’s Outstanding Conservation District Professional Award. Pilewski worked with her conservation district for 10 years, reaching over 3 million residents each year with programs and outreach efforts as program coordinator. She was active on many boards, committees, councils, and as an environmental educator. Pilewski was recognized by the state as the State Conservationist of the Year in 2017. She was amongst the most dedicated and was widely respected and admired for her expertise in the field. Lynn Pilewski passed away last year and was awarded posthumously.  

NACD + NRCS Earth Team Award 

During the Tuesday Banquet, NRCS Acting Chief Louis Aspey and NACD President Kim LaFleur presented the Harford County Soil Conservation District from Harford County, MD, with the NACD & NRCS Earth Team Award. The NACD & NRCS Earth Team award recognizes those who volunteer their time, resources, and energy to protect and improve the quality of our nation’s natural resources. 

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About the National Association of Conservation Districts: 

The National Association of Conservation Districts is the nonprofit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state and territory associations and the 17,000 individuals who serve on their governing boards. For more than 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. For more information about NACD, visit: www.nacdnet.org.