This year, the Municipal Partner Award went to the City of Puyallup for their efforts in 2010 to support conservation and natural resource stewardship. This was demonstrated through the installation of neighborhood rain garden projects throughout the city and for restoration and enhancement work on Clarks, Meeker, and Silver Creeks.

The Commercial Farmer Award went to Kaukiki Farm in Longbranch, which has been committed to improving the profitability, diversity and sustainability of their farm through proven and innovative management practices. While hosting several farm workshops, they shared information to others in the community with similar goals of maximizing farm production while minimizing impacts to local natural resources. In recognition of these efforts and the ongoing partnership to help preserve farmland in Pierce County, the District salutes Janice and Warwick Bryant of Kaukiki Farm.

The Professional Services Award went to Dan Borba of Natural Rain Water who collaborated with the District to teach and supply materials for three “Rain Water Collection for the Home” classes in 2010. Dan also donated a decorated mini rain barrel to Stream Team to complete their water conservation themed booth at the Puyallup Fair. The District looks forward to working with Dan on future water conservation classes.

The Conservation Practice Implementation Award went to Peg Greiwe and Dale Kelley of Graham. In 2010 they went into a frenzy of activity to make improvements on their farm, all without District cost share assistance. They installed a covered manure bin, geotextile fabric and gravel footing material in their horse’s paddocks to prevent mud, gutters and outlet lines on a building adjacent to the paddock, and fertilized the pastures according to soil test results that were obtained through the District’s soil sampling program. We commend all their hard work!

The Wildlife Stewardship Award went to Patrick Ryan of Sumner who bought his five acre property in 2002 to “keep it from being developed.” Since then, he has planted approximately 4,000 trees which have transformed pastures into a forest in the making. Patrick then adopted and planted two nearby City of Sumner properties that have Salmon Creek flowing through them. Patrick’s little forest in the city and the enhanced stream buffers are refuges appreciated by wildlife and humans alike!

The Washington Association of Conservation District’s 2010 Vim Wright “Building Bridges” Award was posthumously presented to the friends and family of Paul Ancich. The award recognized Paul’s efforts to help build connections, open dialogue, and identify common ground between environmental groups, commercial fishermen and government. These unlikely partnerships culminated in on-the-ground action that included new legislation to preserve healthy salmon runs statewide, fish population and habitat research that contributed to new policy, and education and outreach activities such as the annual Donkey Creek Chum Festival in Gig Harbor. These accomplishments are an important part of Paul’s legacy and are testaments to his commitment to community and heritage.

The native plant program recognized volunteers who have assisted with the annual native plant sale for five years. The awards were specially designed native plant motif tiles created by local artist Nancy Alcott of Scribbles Illustration. Thanks to Chris Goodman, Sue Leland, and Joyce and Dennis Anderson for their commitment to the native plant program. In addition, Keith Chadd was recognized for providing above and beyond assistance to the native plant sale by once again assisting for all five days of the sale.