TEMPLE - Each year the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts recognize and honor individuals that dedicate themselves to the conservation and management of renewable natural resources. These outstanding conservationists will be recognized during an awards luncheon on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the Waco Convention Center.
The Texas Conservation Awards Program began in the late 1970s to recognize the state’s conservationists and the vital role they play in managing Texas’ natural resources. The program’s purpose is to acknowledge, recognize, and honor individuals that dedicate their time and efforts to the conservation of renewable natural resources.
The Program provides an opportunity for competition and incentives to expand and improve conservation efforts and natural resource development, as well as the wise utilization of renewable natural resources. Categories recognized through the Program are: Conservation Farmer, Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District, Conservation Rancher, Friend of Conservation, Conservation Teacher, Poster Contest, and Junior and Senior Essay Contests.
The subject for the 2016 Poster Contest was "Local Heroes - Your Hardworking Pollinators." Cy N. Williams, from Godley Intermediate School and the Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District, was chosen as this year’s winner. Williams is in sixth grade and a member of Mrs. Schroeder’s class.
"How Soil and Water Conservation Feeds the World" was the topic for this year’s Essay Contest. Ben Turner, of Dalhart and the Hartley Soil and Water Conservation District, was the winner in the Junior Division of the essay contest. Cassidy Jo Lane, of Ralls and the Rio Blanco Soil and Water Conservation District, was the winner in the Senior Division.
Following is a list of this year’s award recipients:
Conservation Farmer - Ensz Farms, Reeves County
Nathaniel Ensz, owner
In 2008, Nathaniel Ensz and his family moved to Saragosa and purchased over 380 acres of crop land. Over the years, they have restored irrigation ditches and planted alfalfa and other forage crops. Each year, they continue to grow and improve their land. Recently, Ensz added cotton and wheat into his crop rotation, as well as 60 head of cattle. With conservation in mind and a limited allotment of water, Ensz has been able to increase acres planted by implementing conservation practices to use water more efficiently. His innovative approach to conservation allows for better management practices, irrigating more acres efficiently and effectively. As technologies progress, so has Ensz Farms. Best management practices are key to the success of many operations; Ensz Farms is working smarter while using crop management, no-till residue management, cover crops and nutrient management. Ensz has made huge contributions to water conservation and soil health at his own farm and in the Trans-Pecos region.
Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District - Runnels
Fred Wilde, District Director
Scott King, District Director
David Ocker, District Director
Bobby Myers, District Director
C.J. Robinson, Jr., District Director
Organized in 1949, the Runnels Soil and Water Conservation District #232 has provided a balanced and innovative conservation program to Runnels County. The District’s dedication to the goals of the organization is the driving force to improve and protect natural resources within the county. The Soil and Water Conservation District is governed by an elected Board of Directors made up of local farmers and ranchers. A total of 102 years of service to Runnels County is what sets this District apart. David Ocker has served 40 years, C.J. Robinson, Jr. - 28 years, Fred Wilde - 21 years, Bobby Myers - 11 years, and Scott King - 2 years. The District strives to keep farmers and ranchers abreast of the latest conservation practices and technologies. Another focus for the District is educating the youth within the county. Each year the District provides educational conservation booklets to over 500 students. Runnels County is well-versed through its rich heritage and beautiful landscapes. Runnels County Soil and Water Conservation District is a strong supporter of conserving and protecting natural resources for the many generations to come.
Friend of Conservation - Dickie Clary, Hamilton County
Dickie Clary and his wife, Jean, live near Evant in Hamilton County where he was raised and finished school as valedictorian of his class. Clary is a retired dairy farmer and has dedicated 13 years of his life serving Hamilton County as Commissioner with a strong mission to conserve natural resources. Alongside the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Clary has helped develop and implement a bacteria pollution reduction program, which provides technical and financial assistance to local citizens to repair their failing septic systems. Hamilton County has replaced 70 failing septic systems in the Leon River watershed through this program. Clary has played a significant role in completing the Leon River Watershed Protection Plan, determining the sources of bacteria in the river, and obtaining assistance to reduce bacteria, as well as sediment concentrations, within the river.
Conservation Rancher - Goss Creek Ranch, Kendall County
Ronnie and Karen Schneider, owners
Goss Creek Ranch has been owned and operated by Ronnie and Karen Schneider since 1994. The ranch is known for its excellence in land stewardship, conservation, and agriculture. The Schneider’s have participated in numerous conservation programs including the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the USDA Conservation Stewardship Program, and have a TSSWCB-certified Water Quality Management Plan. Multiple conservation practices have been installed and implemented on the ranch including: cross fencing, brush management, prescribed grazing, and livestock water development. Solar pumps, water troughs, and water storage facilities are several of the practices put into place through their Water Quality Management Plan. These practices have addressed many issues on the ranch and have allowed for higher yields and efficient practices. Goss Creek Ranch has done an outstanding job of demonstrating great land stewardship through implementing conservation practices that have improved prescribed grazing, forage production, riparian function, as well as plant and animal diversity.
Conservation Teacher - Jennifer Knapp, Orange County
Jennifer Knapp has taught 8th grade science for 23 years; she also teaches college-level environmental geology. Knapp currently teaches at Little Cypress-Mauriceville Junior High and at Lamar University in the Geology Department. She approaches her teaching with an innovative spirit to communicate a clear and important message to her students. In order to have the biggest impact, Knapp teaches the teachers, as well as the students. She is a part of the Jason Project to "Train the Trainer" for local science teachers in her area; she is one of nine teacher-trainers in the program. Annual training trips have attendance of 100-150 teachers in Education Service Center Region 5. Knapp also teaches "Teaching Environmental Science," which is an intense two-week graduate curriculum for middle and high school teachers. Her involvement in these programs allows teachers to return to the classroom with first-hand knowledge of the subject matter they are teaching. She also believes that field trips are the best way to teach conservation practices. Students get to experience the importance of conservation and its potential for the future. Knapp continues to be a leader in teaching our future generations the importance of conservation to ensure the availability of Texas’ natural resources for many generations to come.
More information about the Texas Conservation Awards Program is available at http://www.tsswcb.texas.gov/infoed/conservationawards.