Ashland SWCD and Farm Bureau to honor conservation leaders Aug. 18
Attendees may to vote in the SWCD supervisor election, provide feedback on local Farm Bureau policy initiatives and recognize conservation and agricultural leaders in the county, according to an announcement.
The Ashland SWCD will honor Rooks Brothers Farms as their Cooperator of the Year.
'When we select a cooperator of the year, we look for someone enthusiastic about conservation and making a difference in the long-term sustainability of their farm,' Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD director, said in the announcement. 'The Rooks family are long-term advocates for conservation-focused agriculture, from being long-term participants in our Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District cover crop program to being one of the first farms to jump on board the new H2Ohio expansion into Ashland County.'
Houin said Bob Rooks went to extraordinary measures to ensure the family farm could take advantage of voluntary conservation opportunities, including completing enrollment from a hospital bed.
More awards to be presented
John Jolliff will be recognized as the district's 2025 Horizon Award winner. The award honors a long-time pioneer and advocate for conservation in Ashland County.
'For decades, woodland owners in Ashland and surrounding counties have been able to rely on the expertise, advice, and input of Ohio Department of Natural Resources Service Forester John Jolliff,' Houin said. 'John has shared his knowledge, wisdom and experience with landowners to help make a difference in the health and long-term sustainability of local woodlands, and the fact that he is an Ashland County resident just makes that even sweeter.'
Tim and Paula Lavey will be honored as the district's 2025 Volunteers of the Year.
'One of the first programs our board planned in 2021 as they looked to reinvest and revitalize the Hazel Willis woods was a certified volunteer naturalist program, and the Laveys were participants in that first class,' Houin said. 'Since that time, they have been tireless volunteers for our district, from serving as speakers at Conservation Chats to helping to lead invasive plant removal projects at the Hazel Willis woods. Our district just could not find two better advocates for the voluntary conservation our district is built upon.'
Voting for SWCD supervisor now underway
Meeting attendees can vote in the annual Ashland SWCD supervisor election. All landowners and residents 18 years and older within Ashland County are eligible to vote in the election, which determines the board of supervisors to set the direction and priorities for Ashland SWCD. Voting will take place through Aug. 22 at the Ashland SWCD office at 100 Cottage St., in addition to at the annual meeting on Aug. 18. Voting is also available through absentee ballot.
Supervisors are elected to a three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Candidates on this year's ballot are Valerie Hall, Kent McGovern and Justin Ringler. For more information on how to vote in the election, contact the Ashland SWCD office at 419-281-7645.
Registration for the meeting is $5 per person and includes dinner. Registrations must be received by Aug. 10 by calling the Ashland SWCD office at 419-281-7645.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland SWCD and Farm Bureau annual meeting set for Aug. 18
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