The Lancaster County Conservation District (LCCD) recently recognized outstanding efforts in natural resource conservation at its 73rd awards banquet at the Farm and Home Center in Lancaster.

The 2026 Outstanding Cooperator of the Year Award was presented to the Twin Lane Farm, operated by Bob and Doreen Shearer and Michael and Julie Shearer, for their commitment to conservation on their farm. The Shearers have worked closely with the Conservation District and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service for more than 25 years. The family has implemented conservation best management practices, including grassed waterways, a mortality composter, a roofed heavy-use area, no-till farming, and cover crops. The family has helped to educate others on conservation by hosting field days and site visits.

The LCCD watershed program awarded the Watershed Excellence Award to John D. Hoover, whose farm was part of a stream restoration project. Hoover worked alongside LCCD staff members and an excavating team, restoring 2,200 feet of streambank and instream habitat, and planted hundreds of trees to establish a riparian buffer. He engaged his community in the project, supporting opportunities for others to learn about sustainable practices. His dedication and stewardship demonstrated how farming can support environmental restoration, protect water quality, and inspire future generations.

The erosion and sedimentation program recognized the Lancaster Civil Engineering Company with the Building Industry Resource Conservation Award. Lancaster Civil Engineering Company received the award because it consistently prepares stormwater discharge permit applications and works collaboratively with LCCD.

The Ann Brown Scholarship recipients for the current school year were announced. This college scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue secondary studies in the fields of agriculture or conservation of natural resources. Lauren Smith and Ellie Eshleman received the 2025-26 scholarships.

Conestoga Township was honored with the Low Volume Road Project Award. Conestoga Township worked with LCCD's low-volume road program to build a technically sound project on Brenner Hollow Road that reduced stormwater impacts to a local stream. To do so, the township engaged landowners, worked within a limited area, solved a resource concern, and stayed within its budget. LCCD recognized the project for technical ingenuity, community engagement, and responsible use of public funding.

Rick Purnell has volunteered at the Lancaster County Youth Conservation School as a fly-tier instructor for more than 15 years. Donating supplies and materials for all students to participate, he's generously offered students hands-on experience, developing an appreciation for this outdoor experience of flyfishing.

Brandon Bixler, the agricultural and environmental science teacher at McCaskey High School in the School District of Lancaster, accepted the Conservation Educator Award. The accolade honored Bixler's commitment to building a new program at McCaskey High School, bridging agriculture and FFA to environmental science within an urban school district. McCaskey FFA completed the charter process in 2025.