The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) recently hosted their Annual Dinner and Election at Veterans Legacy Woods Tribute Lodge. With approximately 71 people in attendance, participants voted in the election of two members to the Geauga SWCD five-member Board of Supervisors. Mike Henry, Dee Belew, and Mary Slingluff were this year’s candidates. Dee Belew and Mary Slingluff were re-elected to serve 3-year terms as Board Supervisors and will continue charting the course for natural resources management in Geauga County.
Throughout the evening, conservation award winners and painted rain barrels were showcased. A special presentation featured the District’s Annual Tree Sale, the recent partnership with Holden Arboretum’s People 4 Trees Initiative, and how proceeds from the sales facilitate education programs including the new “Planting the Seed to Read” initiative.
The conservation awards began with Sage’s Apples and Patterson Fruit Farm each receiving the 2024 Distinguished Partner of the Year Award for their support of the District’s education programs.
Jim Cermak of Sugarbush Creek Farm in Middlefield was recognized for his Big Tree champion American Basswood on private land. Also recognized was the Big Tree champion American Basswood on public land, located in Newbury Township’s Oberland Park and nominated by Judy Barnhart.
Board Supervisor Bob Lausin of Thompson Township was also recognized as the 2024 “Best of Show” winner in the Geauga County Fair Hay & Grain Show.
In addition, the following 2024 Poster Contest winners were also acknowledged:
Grades K-1:
1st Place – Franklin Heimovitz
Grades 2-3:
1st Place – Delilah Heimovitz
2nd Place – Frank McMillion
Grades 4-6:
1st Place – James Paul Winningham
2nd Place – Amelia Shively
Grades 7-9:
1st Place – Jana Winningham
2nd Place – Bethany Shively
Thank you to the following local businesses, agencies, and families who provided donations for our fabulous raffle baskets and attendee gift bags including Gutoskey & Associates, Buckeye Chocolate, USS Cod, Mary Ann Dottore, Salty, Forrest Keeling Nursery, Summit Metro Parks, the Berkheimer Family, and the Shale Family.
The District would like to especially thank all who supported and attended this special celebration! Your commitment to natural resources management remains critical as Geauga County continues to grow and change.
