Awards and Accomplishments
Here's a sneak peek of the accomplishments of the Newton County Soil & Water Conservation District in recent years..
The Newton County Student Conservation Internship
The Newton County SWCD, in partnership with the Jasper Newton Foundation, The Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, South Newton High School, and North Newton High School, was able to create a first of its kind internship program. This program allows students from 11th and 12th grade to work in multiple different conservation organizations and learn how to do the jobs involved with each different entity. Students learn about conservation farming, soil health, water quality, animal habitat, and much more.
District Showcase Award
At the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Annual Meeting held in Indianapolis, IN, the Newton County SWCD was the proud recipient of the District Showcase Award. This award is given to districts that have shown particular ingenuity, dedication, and hard work to help spread conservation across their county. Due to the success of the high school internship program, the Newton County SWCD was chosen as one of the recipients for the award in 2024.
Earth Team Volunteer Award
Marilyn introduced herself to the District when help was needed the most in January 2023. She is a successfully retired data analyst who is very interested in native pollinators, wildlife habitat, and conservation in general, always looking to learn and lend a hand.
Marilyn has contributed so much to both the SWCD and its partners. Her data skills proved particularly helpful as she created an entire database of private well testing information, entering and organizing several years’ worth of data, creating forms, and organizing it in a useful way. To further this program, she spearheaded the organization of forms, timeline, data needs, and well sampling kit organization for the entire County. Without her, this program would not be nearly as successful as it has been.
Because of all her hard work and dedication, Marilyn was named the 2023 NRCS Earth Team Volunteer of the Year for the State of Indiana at the Indiana Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts in Indianapolis.
Friend of the District 2023 - Alyssa Nyberg
Alyssa Nyberg is the Restoration Ecologist for The Nature Conservancy Kankakee Sands based here in Newton County. Alyssa also helps lead the Friends of the Sands group, who often partners with the District on native planting projects, invasive species work, and outreach events.
In 2022 and 2023 Alyssa was particularly instrumental in the development and operation of the new Student Conservation Intern (SCI) Program. Alyssa organized and led many of the partner meetings that led to this program’s conception, made the connection with community organizers and project funder, co-authored the project proposal, and has been there every day since. She never strays from the complexities of navigating this new program and for that we are so grateful!
More than anything however, Alyssa shows kindness and exemplifies leadership through her everyday actions and words. Alyssa demonstrates professional communication skills while working with teams of partners and volunteers alike, thoughtful decision making while working through challenges, considerate and gentle guidance, and always has a kind word to share.
In recognition of her efforts, Alyssa was honored with the “Friend of the District 2023” award! The SWCD thanks Alyssa for her dedication to conservation and commitment to being such a valuable partner of the SWCD!
The River Friendly Farmer Award
The River Friendly Farmer Award is given annually by the Indiana Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts to producers whose best farm management practices protect Indiana’s soil and water resources. The RFF program is a collaborative effort of government agencies, agricultural organizations, Indiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and farmers whose goals are to improve soil and water quality and restore and sustain human and wildlife habitat in Indiana’s watersheds.
River Friendly Farmer of the Year 2024 - Gary Cooper
River Friendly Farmer of the Year 2023 - Randy Prohosky
River Friendly Farmer of the Year 2022 - Bob Ormiston
River Friendly Farmer of the Year 2021 - Larry Berenda