September 22, 2015 -- County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced Tuesday that nominations are being accepted for the second annual achievement awards of the Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District. The awards will recognize activities and projects completed within the past three years that promote the conservation, management and restoration of soil, water and other natural resources in Westchester County.
“It is important that we recognize and encourage the worthwhile work being done in Westchester to conserve our natural resources by our schools, not-for-profit organizations and municipalities,” said Astorino. “The Soil and Water Conservation District awards allow us to recognize our local conservation champions.”
The deadline for submitting award nominations is Oct. 9, 2015. The nomination form and instructions for submitting it are available online at www.westchestergov.com/soilwater.
A wide variety of accomplishments will be considered for the awards, including:
- Stormwater management practices to improve water quality or lessen the risk of flooding
- Public education or student activities or projects concerning soil and water resources
- Soil stabilization, erosion and sediment control
- Natural resources restoration
The district was created in 1967 to develop and carry out a conservation and management program for soil, water and other natural resources. Environmental professionals from the Westchester County Department of Planning provide support to the seven-member citizen Board of Directors.
Winners of the inaugural Soil and Water Conservation Achievement Awards were honored in December 2014. They were:
- Yorktown Central School District for Stormwater Management and Habitat Restoration at Yorktown Middle School and High School Campus
- Westchester Land Trust for Hunter Brook Preserve Habitat Enhancement
- Teatown Lake Reservation for Environmental Leaders Learning Alliance
- Village of Scarsdale for South Fox Meadow Brook Stormwater Management
- The Native Plant Center for Education Outreach, 2012-2014
“The district’s first-year award winners were exceptional and we look forward to reviewing this year’s nominees who have also worked diligently on a wide-range of soil- and water-related issues such as improving water quality and controlling stormwater runoff through best management practices,” said Board of Director Chair Jan Blair.
Questions about the awards nominations can be directed to Robert Doscher, Soil and Water ConservationDistrict Manager, at (914) 995-4423 or at .