PINE GROVE - It was an afternoon of awards and good wishes as the Schuylkill Conservation District held its annual awards luncheon on Tuesday in the clubhouse at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park.
Eleven awards were presented to individuals, businesses and organizations in recognition of their part in protecting and preserving the environment for present and future generations.
The 2013 Conservation Farm of the Year was awarded to Leiby Family Farm in Lewistown Valley in Walker Township near Tamaqua. Also honored with the Conservation Award of Public Service was Paul Lohin, Minersville, who retired this year from the SCD board after serving 10 1/2 years as a member and as board chairman since 2006. His leadership was integral to keep the district moving ahead.
The awards ceremony was preceded by the monthly district board meeting, followed by a hot meal provided free to the awardees, families, board members, district employees and guests.
District Manager Elizabeth Hinkel welcomed everyone by introducing the staff, full (voting) and associate board members, and representatives of other agencies who regularly work with the district. Also attending were Schuylkill County commissioners George Halcovage and Gary Hess, state Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, and Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125; Edward Kleha, legislative aide to state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123; and Christine Verdier, chief of staff for state Sen. David Argall, R-29.
Presenting the district awards with Hinkel were district Environmental Education Coordinator Patrick "Porcupine Pat" McKinney and board President Dr. James Shadle.
Before the main awards were announced, Hinkel and McKinney presented certificates to thank the sponsors of the annual Bear Creek Festival: Alfred Benesch & Co., Rettew Associates Inc., Home Depot, Schuylkill County Fair Association, EmberClear Corp., Sapa Extrusions, Schuylkill Economic Development Corp., Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, and Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven EMS.
Hess addressed those gathered before the award presentations, speaking about the important work the conservation district and its partners do as part of the mission to protect the environment. Hess is a board member and represents the board of commissioners.
"It's an important part and a way of life here in Schuylkill County. Again, it is about partnering and pulling together," Hess said. "The people who are receiving these awards are definitely good partners, not just here in the conservation district, but throughout the county in helping our way of life and the betterment of all in Schuylkill County."
Eric and Barbara Leiby represented their farm in receiving the Farm of the Year award, which is a large metal sign that will be displayed on the farm. Both were called to the front of the room, where Hinkel provided facts about the farm operation.
"It is owned and operated by Robert, Eric, Barbara and Elizabeth," Hinkel said. "Currently the farm consists of approximately 100 acres on which they grow a variety of fruits and vegetables for their retail farm market. From asparagus to zucchini, if it can be grown in Schuylkill County, chances are the Leibys grow it. The farm is a fourth-generation operation, with three generations currently involved in it at this time. Approximately 80 of the 100 acres have been placed under an agricultural conservation easement through the Schuylkill County Agricultural Land Preservation Program. This means the farm can never be sold for development."
Hinkel said the Leibys are also incorporating new practices that reduce erosion and improve soil health.
The following SCD awards were also presented, with the recipients receiving a plaque. They also received citations from the state Senate and state House of Representatives.
- Volunteer of the Year: Anne Paisley, Barnesville, for her work with park and trail maintenance and program assistance at our state parks.
- Educator of the Year: Gail Senich of Minersville Area Elementary School. She is an inspiration to students with a passion about our environment and works to reconnect young people to their natural resources. She is retiring this year.
- Professional of the Year: Shane Kleiner of DEP for his willingness to help the conservation district with so many facets of operation.
- Media Conservation Award: For 57 years, Jack Holcomb of WEEU 830 AM in Reading has been a welcome guest in homes throughout Berks County and beyond into southern Schuylkill County. His popular show "Jack's Backyard" airs from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturdays and features topics from birds to reptiles and mushrooms to trees.
- Forest Stewardship Award: Felmor Associates - a partnership between Dr. Scott Fellows and Craig Morgan who together own 431-acres of land in both Branch and Reilly townships. Their Forest Stewardship plan states that their primary landowner goals for managing the property are to improve wildlife habitat, establish additional food plots, establish additional mature timber areas and promote an area of conifers.
- Conservation Organization of the Year: Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau for hosting via www.schuylkill.org several outdoors-related resources including the Schuylkill County Trails Directory, Your Tour Guide to Schuylkill County and the Birding Trail.
- Conservation Service Award-Business: Weiner Iron & Metal Corp., Pottsville. Their motto: "Recycling for the Future" is indicative of the service that they provide to the community. They have been very accommodating with hosting teacher field workshops too.
- Youth Conservationist of the Year: Team of boys from Tri-Valley Junior/Senior High School who have helped to improve the Tri-Valley Environmental Education Center.
- Conservation Service Award-General Public: Brianna Shealer of Schuylkill County 4-H has done much to promote the activities pertaining to agriculture and the environment.