By: Jennifer Ellison
It’s that time of year again, when the most conservational and environmentally motivated individuals are assessed and determined fit for the prestigious Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District Cooperator of The Year Award.
This tongue twister of a title is a big deal for the citizens of Wauseon as it highlights the most ecologically conscientious among us and rewards them for their time, effort, and dedication in bettering the environment and wildlands around them. This year, the honor goes to local landowner, Christine Dugas.
Christine is the owner of 34 acres of formerly open land. This year, she rolled up her sleeves, got down to business and planted a whopping total of 22 types of different local plants, including 16 wildflower varieties and 6 native grass types.
This was finished off with several hardwood tree saplings which, when grown, will provide ample amounts of protection for not only their leafy neighbors, but also supply shade and food to critters and animals of all kinds.
The Cooperator of The Year Award is all about motivating and supporting the people who remember how valuable our natural resources are.
The Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District, which was founded by the Georgia General Assembly in 1937, was created with this exact intent after the disaster of the Dust Bowl back in the early 1930’s.
People realized the drastic need to look after and better manage our resources such as water and native flora and gathered together to create a foundation that would do just that for many decades to come.
Now, nearly a century after the fact and the Soil and Water Conservation District, or SWCD, is still holding up its age-old traditions and beliefs, passing the coveted and prestigious award onto yet another thoughtful soul seeking to make the world a better place, one tree at a time.
Jennifer can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter@gmail.com