The Sussex Conservation District recognized the 2023 Conservation Stewardship Award winners March 1 at Plantation Lakes Golf and Country Club in Millsboro.
David Baird, SCD district coordinator, welcomed more than 80 guests, among them award recipients, conservation partners and local dignitaries including state Rep. Ronald E. Gray, R- Selbyville; Mike Vincent, Sussex County Council president; and John Rieley, county council vice president and SCD board member. Award ceremony opening remarks were provided by Bill Pfaff, Sussex County Economic Development director.
“Following a successful first year, we were excited to see increased interest; we received nearly double the number of entries from last year. Our goal is to recognize organizations who exceed regulations,” said Jessica Watson, SCD sediment and stormwater program manager. Watson said it was evident that everyone in attendance cares deeply about where they live and work.
During the awards ceremony, SCD unveiled videos created to showcase each winner’s enthusiasm, mindfulness and dedication to protecting natural resources.
For 2023, 27 entries were submitted across seven categories; award recipients were selected by a panel of seven judges consisting of conservation partners from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, Sussex County Engineering Department, and SCD staff and board members.
2023 Conservation Stewardship Award categories and winners include: Certified Construction Reviewer, Nate Torrijos, Torrengineering; Design Team, Davis, Bowen & Friedel; Developer (residential). D.R. Horton Inc.; Green Conservation, Envirotech Environmental Consulting Inc.; Home Builder (51+), D.R. Horton Inc.; Project Manager (residential), Rich Rishel, Carl M. Freeman Companies; and Site Contractor (residential), Corrado Construction Co.
SCD held its inaugural Conservation Stewardship Awards in 2022 and hopes to catalyze future voluntary conservation through appreciation of organizations and individuals. For more information or to view the videos, go to sussexconservation.org. Entry forms for 2024 will be available in the fall.
