GEORGETOWN — The Sussex Conservation District recognized the 2024 Conservation Stewardship Award winners at a luncheon March 7 at Plantation Lakes Golf and Country Club.

David Baird, district coordinator at Sussex Conservation District, welcomed over 80 guests, including award recipients, conservation partners and local dignitaries then provided opening remarks.

“This is more than doing what you have to and moving on, it’s putting projects on the ground that have a positive impact on the community,” said Mr. Baird. “Fortunately, everyone in this room is prepared to handle the challenges, which is something that does not go unrecognized.”

Jessica Watson, Sussex Conservation District sediment and stormwater program manager introduced staff in attendance, remarking, “Today means so much to me. We all know that not everything goes as planned out in the field, but the key thing is having these partnerships, relationships, collaboration in the field, where we can discuss and figure out how to solve problems; that is our strength.

“We know people are doing good work and we want to encourage additional conservation and water quality practices, above and beyond the stormwater regulations. I’m always inspired by seeing what people are doing, and it’s inspiring for others too, and that’s what we want to highlight. We’re in the third year and I’m proud of how this award continues to evolve,” said Ms. Watson.

During the awards ceremony Sussex Conservation District unveiled videos created for each winner to showcase the winner’s enthusiasm, mindfulness, and dedication to protecting natural resources. The full playlist can be found at tinyurl.com/SCDCSA2024.

For 2024, 22 entries were submitted in seven categories. Award recipients were selected by a panel of eight judges comprised of Sussex Conservation District staff and a board member along with representatives from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, and the Sussex Preservation Coalition.

The 2024 CSA winners are Design Team — Sussex County Engineering for the Inland Bays Regional Wastewater Facility; Developer — Carl M. Freeman Companies for the Tower Hill community; Green Conservation — Kinsley Construction, Inc. for the Inland Bays Regional Wastewater Facility; HOA — Sawgrass; Home Builder — Beazer Homes; Project Manager — Michael McClintock of Ryan Homes; Site Contractor, Commercial — Corrado Construction Co. for the Lodge at Historic Lewes; and Site Contractor, Residential — Kinsley Construction, Inc. for the Atlantic East community.

Sussex Conservation District held the inaugural Conservation Stewardship Award in 2022 and is catalyzing voluntary conservation through appreciation of organizations and individuals.

For more information, visit sussexconservation.org. Entry forms for 2025 will be available in the fall.