A teacher from Forrest and farmer from Chatsworth were among the conservation award winners Thursday morning at the 80th annual meeting of the Soil and Water Conservation District.
Denise Plenert, a teacher at St. Mary’s School, has utilized conservation and agriculture in the classroom and participates in district contests along with summer training. Plenert uses ag in her curriculum with innovative and hands-on activities.
The John Dassow family of Chatsworth was presented with the Conservation Farm Family of the Year honor. Conservation has spanned many generations of the Dassow family as John farms with his dad. They utilize cover crops and no-till practices to improve soil health. John has a passion for restoring prairies and wetlands utilizing CRP.
Matt Boucher was named a Partner in Conservation. Boucher is part of a multi-generational farm near Dwight and is looked at as the go-to person for cover crops and other conservation practices. He owns Potential Ag and spreads his ag message through social media.
Jill Kostel and Jean McGuire, of The Wetland Initiative, were also named Partners in Conservation. The initiative aims to reduce the flow of nutrients by installing wetlands on farms. They played an active role in the Vermillion Headwaters Watershed project and work with local farmers in Livingston County on constructed wetlands.
Adam Wyant was another Partner in Conservation winner. He is the NRCS RCPP coordinator and past district conservationist for Livingston County. He has worked at six different field offices throughout Illinois and continues with his passion for conservation in the state.
Retired State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City received the Distinguished Service honor. LCSWCD Treasurer Gary Bressner noted Bennett has been a dear friend to everyone in his 53rd district.
“While serving in Springfield, Tom Received many awards,” explained Bressner.
Bennett always supported Soil and Water Conservation Districts throughout the state.
“We thank him for his commitment,” said Bressner.
The LCSWCD will make a donation to a charity of Bennett’s choice to recognize the award.
