Conservation District recognizes award winners

Three award winners were recognized during the St. Joseph County Conservation District’s 69th annual meeting Wednesday.
Executive director Carolyn Grace and board president Carol Higgins presented awards for “Volunteers of the Year,” “Farmer of the Year” and “Supporter of the Year.”
In awarding Mendon Boy Scouts Troop 427 as “Volunteers of the Year,” Higgins said the Centreville-based agency is always thrilled to have young people such as local scouts help with the conservation district’s numerous programs.
Next, Park Township resident Wendy Pangle was honored as “Farmer of the Year.” Pangle conformed with guidelines established by the Michigan Environmental Agricultural Assessment Program for acceptable organic farming practices.
Pangle operates Wendy’s Farm Fresh Vegetables LLC and offers her products at farmer markets in Three Rivers and Texas Township.
The final award recipient of the evening was “Supporter of the Year,” Abbott Nutrition. Abbott chemist Kaitlyn Cain accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Grace said the company was recognized for driving more than 200 miles roundtrip to pick up its 10,000 saplings distributed through the annual spring tree sale and given to county fifth graders during the agency’s “Conservation Days.”