The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) held its annual meeting last Thursday to showcase activities in 2019, give conservation awards, and hold an election for a board supervisor.
This year, SWCD hosted Melissa Widhalm from the Purdue Climate Change Research Center to speak about climate change and “Building Resiliency for Tomorrow’s Climate.”
Each year the district awards organizations and individuals for outstanding work in protecting the county’s natural resources. This year Jason Armour from the City of Fishers Storm Water Program and Kim Gauen won Outstanding Partner of Urban Conservation awards. The Nature Conservancy won the Partner in Conservation award. Amy Jo Farmer of Farmers Gold, Inc. won the River Friendly Farmer award, and Jennifer Jacks from Sand Creek Elementary won Outstanding Natural Resources Educator.
Attendees re-elected Jared Kakasuleff as a supervisor for the Hamilton County SWCD Board. After the vote, Hamilton County Councilor Ken Alexander conducted the oath of office.
Kakasuleff is a grain farmer who lives in Arcadia and has served 14 years on the SWCD board. Supervisors on the board give guidance and insight to the SWCD’s activities. The board meets once a month to discuss the goals of the District in relation to its five-year strategic plan. Board members serve a three-year term and donate their time to protect the natural resources in Hamilton County.
Learn more about the SWCD’s activities and programs at hamiltonswcd.org.