Preble SWCD 70th Annual Meeting
The Preble SWCD 70th Annual Meeting was deemed a success as 100 people were in attendance at the Lakengren Lodge on August 27th. The sun popped out just before the meeting, making it a beautiful evening! The meeting began with the supervisor election and a wonderful meal served by Rick VanCamp and Beth Gunder, owners of Big Dawgz at the Lake.
Amanda Badger, local wildlife conservationist and owner of Wild Hearts African Farm, spoke about the importance of wildlife conservation, her experiences that lead her to begin Wild Hearts African Farm, and the work that the farm is doing for these unique creatures. Her presentation also included Brian Badger, her husband and Director of Conservation and Outreach for the Cheetah Conservation Fund; Sierra Necessary, AmeriCorps volunteer; and her unique critters from the farm!
After Amanda's interactive presentation, this year's award winners were announced and recognized. Webster Family Farms of Northeast Preble County was selected as the Cooperator of the Year for numerous conservation practices that are incorporated into their 1200 to 1300 acre farming operation. Rebecca Holbrook, former Agricultural Education teacher at Eaton High School, was inducted into the Conservation Hall of Fame. Rebecca taught agriculture at Eaton High School for 22 years and is currently directing Project Lead the Way at Northmont, a program to teach students about the design process for anything they can imagine. Both award winners received a plaque for their hard work and dedication to conservation in our community.
Two additional, and special, awards were given this year. Jason Chappel, technician for Preble SWCD, was recognized for his 15th year anniversary at the District. He is a hard working individual, both in the field and in the office. Supervisor Donn Kolb was presented with a plaque for his 30 years of commitment to the Board of Supervisors, as well as his continuing support for the farming community and conservation education. We look forward to continuing work with Donn after retirement.
The evening ended with some challenging trivia, door prizes, and the results of the supervisor election! Thank you to Donald Hays and Doug Fark for preparing to commit their time to our board. Donald Hays was announced as the new supervisor on the Preble SWCD Board! He will begin his term on January 2020 for a period of 3 years. Congratulations, Donald!
A special thank you to everyone involved in planning and hosting our 70th Annual Meeting: the Preble SWCD and USDA/NRCS staff, the Board of Supervisors, Big Dawgz on the Lake, Amanda Badger and Wild Hearts African Farm conservationists, Eric Kennel and the National Trail FFA, Lakengren P.O.A, and our local business donors: Twin Valley Bank, Quality Tile and Drainage System, Preble County Historical Society, Tractor Supply, Michael Murphy Insurance, and Farm Credit Mid-America! We appreciate you all and the support you have shown us throughout the years.
Amanda Badger, local wildlife conservationist and owner of Wild Hearts African Farm, spoke about the importance of wildlife conservation, her experiences that lead her to begin Wild Hearts African Farm, and the work that the farm is doing for these unique creatures. Her presentation also included Brian Badger, her husband and Director of Conservation and Outreach for the Cheetah Conservation Fund; Sierra Necessary, AmeriCorps volunteer; and her unique critters from the farm!
After Amanda's interactive presentation, this year's award winners were announced and recognized. Webster Family Farms of Northeast Preble County was selected as the Cooperator of the Year for numerous conservation practices that are incorporated into their 1200 to 1300 acre farming operation. Rebecca Holbrook, former Agricultural Education teacher at Eaton High School, was inducted into the Conservation Hall of Fame. Rebecca taught agriculture at Eaton High School for 22 years and is currently directing Project Lead the Way at Northmont, a program to teach students about the design process for anything they can imagine. Both award winners received a plaque for their hard work and dedication to conservation in our community.
Two additional, and special, awards were given this year. Jason Chappel, technician for Preble SWCD, was recognized for his 15th year anniversary at the District. He is a hard working individual, both in the field and in the office. Supervisor Donn Kolb was presented with a plaque for his 30 years of commitment to the Board of Supervisors, as well as his continuing support for the farming community and conservation education. We look forward to continuing work with Donn after retirement.
The evening ended with some challenging trivia, door prizes, and the results of the supervisor election! Thank you to Donald Hays and Doug Fark for preparing to commit their time to our board. Donald Hays was announced as the new supervisor on the Preble SWCD Board! He will begin his term on January 2020 for a period of 3 years. Congratulations, Donald!
A special thank you to everyone involved in planning and hosting our 70th Annual Meeting: the Preble SWCD and USDA/NRCS staff, the Board of Supervisors, Big Dawgz on the Lake, Amanda Badger and Wild Hearts African Farm conservationists, Eric Kennel and the National Trail FFA, Lakengren P.O.A, and our local business donors: Twin Valley Bank, Quality Tile and Drainage System, Preble County Historical Society, Tractor Supply, Michael Murphy Insurance, and Farm Credit Mid-America! We appreciate you all and the support you have shown us throughout the years.
2018 Annual Meeting
The 2018 Preble SWCD Annual Meeting will be held September 6 at the farm of Alan and Rachael Vonderhaar, located at 4636 State Route 725 W., Camden. The Supervisor election will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6:00 meal provided by Charlotte’s Catering. The program will begin at 6:30. The featured speaker will be Steve Pope, land surveyor and local historian. He will share some of his wisdom spanning the four corners of Preble County, including surveying history, personal stories, and more. In addition, the SWCD will share highlights from the year and honor award recipients.
All residents and landowners in Preble County are welcome to attend. Gather the family and come out for a free evening of food and fellowship. Entertainment for children will be provided during the program by National Trail FFA members. RSVP by August 30 to the SWCD office at 456-5159.
All residents and landowners in Preble County are welcome to attend. Gather the family and come out for a free evening of food and fellowship. Entertainment for children will be provided during the program by National Trail FFA members. RSVP by August 30 to the SWCD office at 456-5159.