2001 Conservation Academy Award Winners

If you have any questions or concerns e-mail: Paige Buck

 

2001 Academy Award Winners!

Donna Greathouse receives the Academy Award for the Best Administrative Support for NRCS because she is an exceptional, hard-working individual who continually surpasses expectations. She is committed to quality and seems to have an endless supply of smiles and good spirits even when the chips are down. She can patiently teach people new skills, help them work through a problem, and never persecutes people for mistakes.

Donna is dedicated to helping FOD staff use NRCS computer technology to its fullest potential. Donna often troubleshoots for staff experiencing computer problems and has adeptly facilitated the shift to greater use of electronic paperwork and timesheets.

Donna is well known throughout FOD 1 for her effective communication with the field and her commitment to meeting the needs of her field office teams. She is also known for her ability to procure goods and services—getting badly needed items where they are needed, when they are needed, and usually at the lowest cost.

Typical of Donna’s commitment is her involvement in a host of projects, from task force groups to civil rights and quality assurance. Her “big picture” perspective and her experience are both valued by others.

Some of Donna’s most noteworthy characteristics are her positive attitude, her patience, and willingness to help. She is an excellent listener, and her personable manner has resulted in the development of long-lasting relationships with her co-workers.

She often says of herself, “I care about my people.” The feeling is obviously mutual. It is clear that her people also care about her.

According to Leslie Michael, District Conservationist in Edwardsville, “Donna maintains a healthy balance between being the true professional that she is, while still taking time to treat each of us as individually special people when we contact her. Not only is Donna the Best Administrative Support, she’s good moral support when you need it!”

Wayne Kinney, Streambank Specialist from Greenville, IL, receives the Best Technical Specialist Award due to his knowledge of the science of streambanks and his undaunting leadership in efforts to restore streambanks in Illinois.

For years, sedimentation and erosion associated with rivers and stream channels in Illinois were considered negligible issues in watershed planning work. However, due to Wayne’s initiative, his work in demonstrating the successful control of streambank erosion, and the partnerships he has forged, streambank stabilization has moved to the forefront in watershed planning.

As a District Conservationist, Wayne worked with a geomorphologist from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to install streambank measures in Madison County. That was where it all started. The “love of the river” consumed Wayne, and his interest and leadership resulted in the development of a new NRCS position: Streambank Stabilization Specialist.

Since then, Wayne has worked with the Illinois Department of Agriculture to develop hundreds of sites in Illinois in need of, and worthy of, technical and financial assistance. Now in the program’s 7th year, Wayne has worked with more than 550 private landowners coordinating more than $3.3 million in projects.

NRCS has only one Streambank Specialist, but Illinois has many rivers, streams, and creeks in need of erosion protection. This has required Wayne to take on the qualities of a super hero of sorts; he provides assistance to all field offices in the state. In Clark County alone, he has helped locals protect nearly 6,000 feet of streambank, making a huge impact on the quality of the water that passes through the region. Wayne passes his skills and knowledge on to other conservation professionals by teaching basic streambank protection concepts to each field office.

The tools of his trade include old and new techniques such as rock or stream barbs, longitudinal peak stone toe protection, rock riffles, and bendway weirs. Wayne has gathered techniques from other states and successfully adapted them to successfully function in Illinois rivers and streams.
Just this year, Wayne and NRCS worked closely with other agencies to identify, quantify, and coordinate interagency efforts to manage the enormous workload in stream restoration. Many agencies—U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Illinois EPA, Illinois State Water Survey, SWCDs, and Illinois’ Departments of Agriculture, Transportation, and Natural Resources—have attended Wayne’s training sessions in order to collectively address problems and alternatives. Wayne coordinated these specialized training sessions and invited instructors who are national leaders in the science of streambank restoration from across the country.

Wayne has examined the knowledge, experience and skills of specialists from across the nation and adapted this information to fit Illinois’ resource needs. In doing so, he has placed Illinois NRCS in the lead role of streambank restoration practices.

Through his passion and leadership, Wayne has made the Streambank Program in Illinois what it is today, and he undoubtedly has a vision and a plan to create what it will be tomorrow.

The Lake Taylorville Watershed Planning Team wins the Academy Award because this group exemplifies the ideal in local support and participation and collaborative problem solving effort in a Locally-Led initiative. This team is a committed group of individuals, all of whom have contributed countless hours to developing and implementing a comprehensive resource plan designed to preserve the usefulness of Lake Taylorville, improve water quality, and protect local interests.

The following individuals played a crucial role in the completion of this plan and are included in the award:

Eric Gerth, District Conservationist; Dale Baumgartner, District Conservationist; Jeff May, Soil Conservation Technician; Michael Andreas, Agricultural Engineer; Manuel Wei, Agricultural Engineer; Samuel Janssen, Civil Engineering Technician; Steven Hobson, Agricultural Engineer; David Webber, Agricultural Engineer; Paul Krone, Environmental Specialist; Karl Visser, Hydraulic Engineer; Thomas Book, Civil Engineer; Dennis Beyer, Design Engineer; Roger Windhorn, Resource Soil Scientist; Kenneth Gotsch, Resource Soil Scientist; Manuel Quinones, Engineering Draftsperson; James Evans, State Conservation Engineer; William Lewis, NRCS Planning Team Leader; Mark Roth, SWCD Chairman; Sue Davis, Administrative Coordinator; Jody Rheinecker, Resource Conservationist; Gary Spurling, Planning Committee Chariman; Jim Montgomery, Mayor, City of Taylorville; Rocci Romano, Attorney, City of Taylorville; Rocky Moore, Lake Superintendent; Don Williams, Alderman, City of Taylorville.

The Lake Taylorville Watershed effort kicked into high gear in the late 1980’s, when IEPA declared the water impaired by sediment and nonorganic materials. The Lake Taylorville Resource Plan was completed in 1990, and the Lake Taylorville Watershed Plan/Environmental Assessment was completed in 1995. The Planning Committee had a goal of improving water quality while preventing any further loss of volume in the lake as a result of rapid sedimentation.

The City applied for and received funding to construct 11 small sediment retention basins and two large, in-lake sediment retention basins designed by NRCS. The Christian County NRCS/SWCD staff also worked with local landowners to install erosion control measures on surrounding cropland.

After a spending a considerable amount of time and effort working with the community over the past two years, the Planning Committee recently obtained the easements required for the installation of the final sediment retention basin. Once in place, the South Fork sediment retention structure will filter sediment from water flowing into the lake from an area of over 53,000 acres. Approximately 90% of the water flowing over land into Lake Taylorville will pass through a sediment control structure, improving the water supply and preserving the lake for the future.

The support and active involvement of local communities, the Resource Planning Committee, City of Taylorville, and NRCS/SWCD staff have been tremendous. The commitment of each of these dedicated individuals and groups has brought the Lake Taylorville Watershed through many obstacles.

The result is the implementation of a resource plan that will achieve many goals. Thanks to each individual involved in the effort, Taylorville and its surrounding communities can rely on a viable water source for the years to come.

Della Moen and James Ritterbusch receive the Award for the Best Conservation News Column/Radio Broadcast for working together to inform and educate the public on conservation topics and to deliver the message across the state.

Writing her column over the years, Della has consistently and passionately brought conservation topics to the breakfast and dinner tables of northwest Illinois. Although selling intangibles like conservation and stewardship is no easy task, it is crucial to pass on the knowledge and values of stewardship to today’s public and, hopefully, build a lasting respect for the environment in future generations.

Della, a Stephenson County SWCD Board Member with a lifetime interest and love of the land, covers the entire gamut of issues from basic conservation concepts and success stories to deep, philosophical perspectives. She always manages to devise a fresh story idea and a delivery that is both enjoyable and unique. Della knows her topics, and on those occasions when she is in technical territory, she always does her research to keep science at the forefront.

Della and her husband Chuck are always on the scene at Summer Conference and other conservation-based meetings and gatherings. They are involved, committed, and do all that they can do to support conservation activities in Illinois.

As Stephenson County’s District Conservationist, James Ritterbusch has been a huge supporter of Della and her work. Jim has facilitated her ability to reach beyond county lines by devising a way to share Della’s stories across the state. Jim understands the power of words and recognizes the significance of Della’s work. Due to Jim’s efforts, Della’s column is now entered electronically and sent via email to other SWCD’s and conservation partners statewide.

Because of their two-fold effort, Della and Jim make it possible for every SWCD in the state to send a relevant, well-written, and timely article to their own local paper for publication. Together, Della and Jim have spread the good news of conservation across Illinois.

 

Nominee Finalist
Dennis D. Clancy District Conservationist Newton, Illinois Nominated by: Carzella Pritchett

The award for the Best Customer Service Commitment goes to Timothy Malone, District Conservationist in Tazewell County, in recognition of his outstanding service and his never-ending tendency to go the extra mile to meet customer expectations and needs.

Thomas A. Benjamin, District Conservationist in the Danville Field Office, receives the Award for the Best Use of NRCS Administered Conservation Programs due to his ability to effectively address difficult conservation issues using NRCS programs and science-based solutions.

Leon W. Wendte, District Conservationist in Champaign County, receives the award for Best NRCS “Out-of-the-Box” Thinker due to his creative strategies in implementing projects and getting conservation on the land.

Leon is a true believer in partnerships that work, and he has a knack for connecting with people and partnering in such a way that both parties are able to achieve their own objectives in a win-win scenario. Partnerships like that don’t just happen; they require someone behind the scenes who can make it happen.

Leon was also on the cutting edge in using Certified Crop Advisors as third party vendors. Working with these individuals in developing quality nutrient management plans resulted in of 73% of the watershed’s producers signing up for a plan within the first year of the project.

Under Leon’s leadership, his team has made tremendous progress in the use of buffers, filter strips, and riparian forest buffers. Using a grant, he was able to hire a full-time Habitat Coordinator who provided ol’ fashioned one-on-one technical assistance on buffers. With this new position and Leon’s sales approach and other marketing secrets, more than 78% of the stream miles in Champaign County watersheds are protected by some type of buffer practice.

Leon’s creative thinking and strategies help him successfully manage a number of issues that every Field Office faces: workload management, training, and outreach. At any given time, his Field Office generally has one or more trainees on staff. He is able to coordinate a valuable training experience that benefits both the resource base, the landowner, and his conservation team.

Leon does not limit his conservation commitment to agricultural clients. He and his team have provided guidance to the City of Champaign on flood control projects, drainage, and other issues related to subdivision and development concerns. He is also working with the County Board to develop a proactive approach to prime farmland preservation.

According to Britt Weiser, NRCS Agronomist in FOD 3, “Leon epitomizes the motto ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’” Leon leads a diverse and well-rounded conservation effort in Champaign County, and serves as a role model to many. He is always open to new ideas and new ways to approach conservation, yet he never becomes distracted from aligning all his goals and projects with the NRCS mission and vision.

Nominee Finalists
Rhonda L. Holliday District Conservationist Virginia, Illinois Nominated by: Lynette Schaeffer	Henry County NRCS/SWCD Team Cambridge, Illinois Nominated by: Rich Stewart

The DeWitt County NRCS/SWCD Team receives the award for Best Community Assistance in recognition of the comprehensive support and technical solutions they have provided to the City of Clinton, Illinois. This Team is comprised of Scott Wallace, District Conservationist; Shelley Finfrock, Resource Conservationist; and Sally McFeeters, Administrative Coordinator.

In the span of one year, this conservation team has truly made a name for themselves in the business of community assistance, and their visionary work has had a tangible effect on this rural community. The county’s population is 17,000; the City of Clinton is home to 8,500 of these residents, qualifying it as an “urban” client, and one in need of natural resource ideas and solutions.

Although urban communities were once considered a non-traditional client for NRCS, our conservation teams are working with them more frequently to address common resource needs. By initiating this relationship with community governments, county level governments, and local leaders, the DeWitt County Team has accomplished what every conservation professional dreams of: they have become a needed reference and resource tool to this community. Their professional opinion is sought on issues and problems, allowing proactive input that helps protect resources in a preventative manner. They are called upon frequently by community leaders when they have a natural resource question or problem. And they are glad to help.

Examples of the Team’s assistance to the community include: support with developing local policies and procedures for Erosion and Stormwater Ordinances; input on subdivision platting and review of all erosion and stormwater plans; digitization of soil survey data; assistance with recruiting college students to donate landscape plans for city gateways; coordination of hazardous waste, used tire, and oil collection from county residents; membership and involvement on the Chamber of Commerce; involvement in many local city educational events; and distribution of natural resource data to new businesses coming to the county.

The DeWitt County NRCS/SWCD Team has built a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with their new urban clients by delivering quality, science-based products and by demonstrating a commitment to customer service. The City knows they can call the office and receive the answers and the help they need. Because of the DeWitt County Team’s consistent delivery of quality services and information, the City can rely on the experience, expertise, and wide base of knowledge our agencies provide.

The DeWitt County NRCS/SWCD Team is indeed considered a valuable and appreciated player in dealing with community resource issues. This new role has allowed tremendous progress to be made as the City of Clinton adopts “big town” policies and ideals in a small community.

Joseph Gates, District Conservationist in Rock Island County, receives the Award for Best Use of New Technology for NRCS in recognition of his initiative and leadership in incorporating GPS technology to achieve conservation goals and improve the quality of the products and services provided to NRCS and SWCD clients.

When Global Positioning Systems and Geographic Information Systems appeared on the horizon, many conservation professionals waited quietly in the wings to see what it might mean to them. Joe did not want to wait. Instead, he dove into the deep end and used his creative and innovative thinking to find ways to make GPS technology work for NRCS.

Working in close partnership with the Rock Island County SWCD and local units of government, Joe coordinated a massive effort to gather and enter quality data layers into the program, creating a quality system that all partners could use to achieve their specific goals and objectives. Joe provided guidance on which hardware and software packages would best suit partnership needs, offered training, and began the tradition of sharing data layers between partners—a key element and strategic move in creating a successful system.

The use of this new technology has increased the effectiveness of the Milan Field Office staff by improving the quality and accuracy of maps and information provided to cooperators and clients. For instance, the greatly improved Natural Resources Inventories (NRI) offer private landowners and decision-makers a tremendous amount of more useful and more accurate information. Better information translates into better decisions, which in the end provides improved natural resource solutions.

Another direct benefit of Joe’s efforts is a reduction in the amount of time needed to collect data. Using ArcView, working in partnership with others, and using college students as volunteers has cut the data collection process time in half.

Through Joe’s efforts and commitment, he has “sold” the need and the value of this new technology to those he works with and those he partners with. His patience, encouragement, and kind instruction have minimized the time and stress involved in helping staff and partners climb the learning curve.

Joe has rather quietly developed his process for using new technology, rather than avoiding the issue and waiting for directives and demands to come down from the top. He has incorporated this new technology into daily activities, using ArcView maps in all NRCS programs and using the GPS receiver to identify survey points, preserve data, and generate topographic maps for proposed project areas.

Joe is to be recognized for his personal initiative, leadership, and persistence in creating new ways to reap benefits from GPS technology while incurring minimal costs to NRCS and encouraging our agency’s transition into 21st Century technology.

 

Nominee Finalists
FOD 2 Toolkit Team Toledo, Illinois Nominated by: Jill Crewell	David A. Webber Agricultural Engineer Murphysboro, Illinois Nominated by: Randall Dietz and Linda Presler	James P. Rospopo Soil Conservationist Woodstock, Illinois Nominated by: Tom D'Avello
Nominee
Gene Davis

Interstate RC&D wins the Award for the Best RC&D Project for their work with the Project SMART Bus. Project SMART (Sharp Minds Are Reading Thoroughly) is geared towards reducing illiteracy while educating the public about the RC&D movement.

The team consists of Mark Jackson, RC&D Coordinator and Jessica Engstrom, Assistant and Education Coordinator, who have both shown great insight and proactivity in reducing illiteracy, promoting natural resources conservation, and raising awareness of Interstate RC&D.

Interstate RC&D partnered with the “Read to Succeed” Organization in the Quad Cities and also worked with many volunteers to bring this project together.

The bus is driven by volunteers who visit primarily rural areas in the five-county RC&D area to provide free books and other educational materials to children up to the age of 12. The bus itself is a stage for many interesting and educational presentations on a variety of topics such as agriculture, the environment, ecology, and natural resources. The exterior of the bus also serves as a travelling billboard for Interstate RC&D, NRCS, IARCDA, and the project’s sponsors.

The Team began this challenging and promising project with funds from IARCDA and NRCS. Materials needed to remodel and create a mobile learning center were donated by area businesses and vendors. Project SMART has received a total of approximately $26,000 in grants and donations in labor, materials, supplies, equipment, and the bus itself.

This project proves that volunteerism is the backbone of profound outreach and community enhancement efforts. To date, Project SMART has worked with over 20 volunteers who have spent approximately 500 hours making the project a success.

The Bus has made 12 stops and distributed more than 500 books to over 500 children and adults. The Bus is scheduled for roughly 18 more stops and is estimated to distribute another 1,000 books and make 20 more presentations to over 1,000 participants.

The Project SMART Bus is a testimony to the ability of this small, determined group committed to accomplishing great things together. RC&D’s motto is “Making a Difference.” This project definitely makes a difference in the lines of children and adults in Illinois.

Nominee Finalists
Access Illinois Project Two Rivers RC&D Pittsfield, Illinois Nominated by: Martha Sheppard	Shawnee RC&D Marion, Illinois Nominated by: Keith Bell	Kimberly A. St John RC&D Coordinator Henry, Illinois Nominated by: Tessa Chadwick
Nominee
Prairie Hills RC&D Nominated by: Rod Kukendall

LaSalle County’s “seasoned” conservation professionals District Conservationist Paul Youngstrum, and Soil Conservation Technician John Garrity, received Award for the Best Field Office Training Site for Interns or New Employees in recognition of their ongoing commitment to offering a diverse and well-rounded array of training experiences and their ability to develop top notch NRCS employees.

When the LaSalle Field Office receives a new employee or a summer intern, they always involve the trainees in every type of project imaginable, even when it takes more time to do so than to just do the job by themselves. That’s what makes the difference in the caliber of employees they create.

Paul and John work hard at being the most inclusive and “team-oriented” staff around. Trainees are taken in as one of the family and are valued and treated with respect right from the start.

For beginning conservationists, there is so much to learn. There are surveying and engineering concepts, design talents that must be developed over time, customer service skills, and communication and conflict management techniques that all come with time and experience. Add to that the fact that Conservationists are in a sense “sales and marketing specialists,” selling the benefits as well as the costs involved in getting conservation on the ground. Add in the nuts and bolts of government programs, paperwork, and computer software programs—there is a great deal to learn. It can be overwhelming. And that is why having the right teacher and having the right team environment is so crucial.

Trainees who are fortunate enough to land in LaSalle County are exposed to a wide variety of resource concerns and conservation practices, including traditional practices such as terrace systems, grassed waterway and WASCOB design and construction; conservation buffer practices, including filter strips, riparian forest buffers, contour grass buffer strips, and windbreaks; residue management techniques, especially new techniques such as strip till; livestock waste management systems; flood control and other issues related to issues along the Illinois River; and special pilot projects, such as the Watershed Restoration Action Strategy.

The newest conservationists influenced by Paul and John’s seasoned experience include Soil Conservationists Jared Jahraus and Catherine Hadley and new Resource Conservationist Matt Stafford. All these individuals are already off to an incredible start. Their skills are impressive and their confidence in their own abilities and their team is refreshing.

In addition to training and development of their own new teammates, both John and Paul have been actively involved with providing additional training sessions to other conservationists in FOD 3. LaSalle County hosts the annual pre-requisite training session prior to employees participating in the two week Conservation Planning for New Employees Course.

The workload analysis numbers prove that the current NRCS workforce will experience a serious loss of experience in the next 5 - 10 years. Now is the time to recruit and prepare the next generation of conservationists. LaSalle County works hard to make a difference and ensure the future of NRCS!

 

Nominee Finalists
Saline County NRCS/SWCD Team Harrisburg, Illinois Nominated by: Harrisburg NRCS/SWCD Team	Springfield MLRA Team Springfield, Illinois Nominated by: Steven Suhl	Mercer County NRCS/SWCD Team Aledo, Illinois Nominated by: Aaron Engstrom
Nominee
Brown County Field Office Team Nominated by: Jay Peter

James Rutherford has indeed lived the life of a true conservationist. After 35 years of service to SCS/NRCS and the SWCD in McLean County, James recently retired. Those who know him know that even as a retiree, he will still be serving the needs of the land through conservation and will continue to make a difference wherever and whenever he can.

James served as a Soil Conservation Technician in the Bloomington-Normal Field Office. He worked one-on-one with private landowners, laying out mile after mile of conservation practices including terraces and grassed waterways, building ponds, and designing structure after structure. It would be difficult to quantify the number of conservation practices James has played a hand in, and it would be even more difficult to measure the long-term implications of all his efforts and contributions.

Not only did Jim’s day-to-day work with NRCS and the District make a difference to the quality of our natural resources, but it greatly affected the number of conservation minded individuals and resource professionals that we have here in Illinois today. Over the years, James helped train many individuals, and this dedication has had a lasting impact on the Illinois Conservation Partnership. Many of the Soil Conservationists and even District Conservationists we depend on today owe their career success, in part, to James Rutherford.

James’ legacy lies in his technical knowledge and understanding of conservation concepts and principles; in his work ethic and willingness to go beyond expectations; and in his personality and commitment to partners, clients, and the agency. James made a habit of investing time and effort into building relationships with co-workers, state and federal partners, and all those he trained over the years. Clients, staff, and partners have always enjoyed working with Jim. His team members sought out his technical and professional expertise; his clients sought him out because they enjoyed working with him and knew he would help them achieve a final product that was a quality job.

Even when Jim retired from NRCS, he couldn’t get conservation out of his blood. Since retirement, Jim has obtained a position with the City of Bloomington-Normal managing the Lakes Evergreen and Bloomington Watershed Project. And if that weren’t enough to keep him busy, Jim continues to assist the field office, working with walk-in clients and providing training in his spare time.

Over the years, Jim has received many awards, honors, and certificates, recognizing his accomplishments and contributions. But instead of boasting about his achievements or successes, he simply gets busy working on the next challenge.

According to Karla Hanson, NRCS Soil Scientist and Cathy Olson, NRCS District Conservationist, James served as a kind of a father figure to them and to other trainees by stressing professionalism and quality and never hesitating to lend a helping hand. “We have the utmost respect for him and believe that if there is any individual deserving of a lifetime achievement award, it would be James Rutherford. As two of his trainees from his past, we are honored to submit his name.”

Congratulations Jim!

Robert Gotkowski, Kankakee County District Conseravationist, wins the Award for the Best Outreach Initiative for his commendable assistance to the Pembroke Township community and his guidance and leadership in helping local farmers form a co-op. His dedication and commitment to this group of individuals has made possible many new avenues for the sustained economic health and outlook of this community, which had been overlooked for so long.

The initiative began when Bob visited Pembroke Township in 1998 with a goal to help producers gain a better understanding of the USDA and improve the communities’ participation in and use of USDA programs and services. Bob’s leadership helped to motivate a loosely organized group of producers to collectively plan and conduct seven farm demonstration events, each hosting 30 to 50 participants. With his assistance, the group secured an EQIP grant for education on natural resource protection and enhancement as well as sustainable agriculture production. Over a two-year period, the farm demonstrations provided information on organic and non-organic vegetable production, organic soybean production, pasture seeding, greenhouse construction techniques, pest control, soil fertility management, organic certification requirements, marketing techniques, and nutrient management. He also arranged further educational sessions with the University of Illinois Extension.

Recognizing the benefits for the producers to establish a farmers’ cooperative, Bob convinced the producers to pursue this initiative and was instrumental in guiding the group through the process. He arranged consultation sessions with USDA’s Rural Development, resulting in a grant that enabed the group to purchase equipment, secure headquarters, and hire a co-op manager. The co-op also secured funds to construct a 960-square foot greenhouse, which serves as a component of field demonstrations. The greenhouse is also available to co-op members for use in propagating plants.

Through Bob’s efforts in bringing partners together to work with Pembroke Township, the community secured a Sustainable Agriculture grant from IDA for demonstration of a sustainable farms system and a grant from Heifers International to assist families interested in raising livestock.

Bob Gotkowski’s work with Pembroke Township and his ability to bring key partners to the table is an outstanding outreach effort. Pembroke Township is among the poorest communities in the state. However, Bob’s leadership and dedication to providing the best possible services has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on this community.

 

Nominee Finalists
Effingham County NRCS/SWCD Team Effingham, Illinois Nominated by: Manny Wei

Southwestern RC&D wins the Award for the Best Use of Earth Team Volunteers for their effective and innovative use of volunteers to accomplish RC&D objectives. The Team consists of Edward Weilbacher, RC&D Coordinator; Yvette Dulle, Program Assistant; Dave Eustis, Operations Manager; and Dr. Charles Kofron, GIS Director.

Southwestern RC&D has actively recruited former council members, retirees, and employees of different agencies. Volunteers have also included individuals ranging from high school students to university professors, all who have shown a personal enthusiasm for volunteerism and making a difference. These Earth Team volunteers have helped with such tasks as conducting fish surveys, prairie grass studies, tree studies, and bird counts. They also provided assistance with the River Watch Program, GIS for the Rural Water mapping project, and the East St. Louis lead study.

Some of the volunteers have been helping out with a variety of projects for as long as seven years, while others signed on for one specific task. One of the volunteers, who is physically challenged, began the lead study in East St. Louis and was eventually hired by the RC&D Council to complete the study as Project Manager.

The numbers that document this Team’s use of volunteers are incredible. During the first three-quarters of FY2001, 58 Southwestern RC&D volunteers logged in over 860 hours. These individuals account for 21% of the Earth Team Volunteers and complete 15% of the volunteer time claimed by NRCS in Illinois.

The advantages of this volunteer work are far reaching, benefiting such projects as the Kaskaskia River Basin Inititiative, the Chouteau Island Project, 319 grants, and C2000 projects. In many cases volunteers have assisted NRCS staff when workload was heavy and time was short.

Southwestern RC&D is commended for their creative recruitment and use of volunteers. It is the spirit of volunteerism that brings people together, deals with the issues, and makes our communities stronger. Keep up the good work Southwestern RC&D!

John R. Garrity receives the Award for Best Soil Conservation Technician in recognition of his long-term commitment to NRCS and conservation. His contributions from both a technical and personal perspective have been an invaluable component of the adoption and success of conservation in LaSalle County.

John leads the pack in the number of engineered conservation practices he designs and installs each year. Each year, he designs, inspects, or applies an incredible number of grassed waterways, grade stabilization structures, terrace systems, farm and field windbreaks, streambank stabilization measures, and water and sediment control basins. Both the quantity and the quality of John’s conservation practices are to be commended.

According to those he works with and those he serves, the recommendations, plans, and advice John gives are based on good common sense, time-tested experience, a concern for costs, and a never-ending willingness to try new ideas. All John’s recommendations incorporate the concerns and ideas of the client and he makes sure that they understand how the practice functions and that it will in fact meet their objectives.

John’s experience and talents have been transferred to other field offices where he provides training on a variety of issues and techniques. His strong agronomic background has spurred action and adaptation for new options on the part of the SWCD Board. In many ways, John has been the momentum behind the District’s support of the strip-till equipment rental program. John establishes solid relationships with his clients and as a farmer himself, he has an incredible understanding of the concerns and needs of those he serves. With this knowledge, he is able to adapt his products and services, as well as those of the District, to ensure that they indeed meet the needs of the customer. Just drive across the county with John, and you’ll see a wave, a nod, a smile from nearly every truck that drives by–they all know John.

John has been a driving force in the establishment of warm-season grasses and forbs throughout the county and has coordinated partnership initiatives with IDNR, the National Wildlife Federation, LaSalle County Pheasants Forever, and many others. Much of the native grass plantings and wildlife plots that cover the county are due in part to John’s efforts.

In addition to the quality service John delivers to clients, he also makes quality contributions to all those that he works with at the office. He works hard at creating a good working environment, often preparing lunch for the entire building, including FSA and RD team members.

John shows a genuine interest in all his co-workers and contributes greatly to inter-agency working relationships. John also contributes to the conservation ethic of future generations, serving as a trainer for the Prairie Performers 4-H club and helping out at the county fair.

According to District Conservationist Paul Youngstrum, “There are few employees in our agency that have the dedication John has for our agency and our mission. He works well with the public, puts a great deal of conservation on the land, and he has an outstanding reputation within the community. John is an asset and a real credit to our agency and I am proud to have worked with him over the years.”

Nominee Finalists
Brad S. Burnet Soil Conservation Technician Carlinville, Illinois Nominated by: Dave Rahe	John M. Moore Soil Conservation Technician Edwardsville, Illinois Nominated by: Leslie Michael	Daniel E. DeSmith Soil Conservation Technician Cambridge, Illinois Nominated by: Rich Stewart
Nominees
David Smith Jr. Nominated by: Mike Andreas and Steve Lewis Charlie Heitzig Nominated by: Susan Scott Kandy Gress Nominated by: Jill Crewell	Rick Street Nominated by: Kim Smail and Tony Korando Randall Dietz Nominated by: Scott Martin John Gwaltney Nominated by: Jackie Ital and Carolyn Hathaway	James Gieker Nominated by: Gary Lawrence Jeremy Beck Nominated by: Robert Gotkowski Jerry Allhands Nominated by: Mike Kiefer

Traci Goldie from the New Lenox Field Office receives the Award for the Best Soil Conservationist due to her outstanding hard work, dedication to conservation, and willingness to assist others.

Over the course of her stay in New Lenox, Traci has had a powerful impact on the progress of conservation in and around the Will-South Cook County area. She provided training to two summer interns as well as the team’s newest soil conservationist, while maintaining a high quality and high quantity of her own ongoing work. The training she provided was valuable, perhaps because she’s just a natural or perhaps because before she came to NRCS as a Soil Conservationist, she was a substitute teacher.

In addition to going the extra mile in training, Traci also volunteered to assist the McLean County Team when they were in dire need of help in attacking their heavy EQIP workload. The District Conservationist from McLean County commended her for her contributions.

Traci also served as a resource contact for the Yorkville Field Office during the absence of a District Conservationist. Amazingly, the time she spent attending to these additional tasks in no way impacted her ability to continue to accomplish her regular workload and work with her regular clients back in New Lenox.

Those who work one-on-one with Traci admire her wonderful work ethic and her relentless commitment to getting the job done. She relates well with her peers, the public, and various farm clients. Clients of all kinds are never reluctant to call her for assistance and they seem ever confident that she can assist them, regardless of the nature of their problem.

Traci has achieved many accomplishments in supporting and implementing conservation programs as evidenced by numerous cost-share applications for both CRP and CPP. She also coordinated and approved applications for 70 acres in the new Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) program.

District Conservationist and friend Robert Jankowski is especially appreciative of her hard work and commitment and what it has meant to him personally.

“Traci’s exceptional level of productivity and attention to detail has enabled me expand my role of working with additional urban communities. As a result, our field office is now recognized as a ‘go to’ office for assistance. Without Traci, I would not be able to enjoy the successes we’ve had over the past few years of working with diverse communities, assisting with URP projects in Chicago, and representing NRCS at important partnership meetings.”

Congratulations, Traci!

 

Nominee Finalists
Gracie Moreno Soil Conservationist Charleston, Illinois Nominated by: Carzella Pritchett	William B. Webber Soil Conservationist Mt. Vernon, Illinois Nominated by: Jefferson County SWCD

Robert Jankowski receives the Award for the Best District Conservationist in a Leading Role because Bob personifies both professional and technical excellence, making a name for our agency on both agricultural and urban fronts and creating new conservation leaders for tomorrow.

The people and partners who work with Bob are continually amazed at the breadth of his knowledge and skills in engineering, conservation design, and planning. Bob is a patient and inspiring teacher, providing instruction to interns and new employees to develop their technical skills. He also teaches the importance of always looking at the “big picture” of conservation. Bob’s teaching style instills quality and confidence in others. He is seen as a role model, a mentor, and a leader. Those who have trained under Bob will confirm that he is always patient and encourages others to learn from their mistakes, but not dwell on them.

As a District Conservationist in Will and South Cook Counties, Bob is required to address conservation issues on rural and urban private lands. He works with agricultural producers, and is well versed in the traditional conservation programs and solutions needed on farmland. But he also works to put conservation on urban and developed land. Working with one community is a challenge, as most DCs will tell you. Working with many communities that are in fact suburbs of Chicagoland takes a special kind of person.

In Bob’s “urban toolkit,” he has experience providing assistance on water quality concerns, stormwater management, conservation planning, NPDES Phase I and II, wetland restoration, ordinances, community planning, and more. On urban fronts, the clients he serves are bigger players, but they are still people in need of natural resource answers. Bob has worked with communities of all sizes and demographic make-ups. The Village of Harvey, Ford Heights, Orland Park, Plainfield, Palos Park, and Lemont have worked with Bob and his team on a wide specturm of issues ranging from designing park walking paths to offering educational workshops on ordinance development for local units of government. He has provided assistance to the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, supported efforts of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, and served on planning and steering committees for major watershed planning efforts such as Long Run Creek, Aux Sable, and Waubonsie. Bob crossed the state line, offering support and assistance to Indiana for the Calument River Watershed. Bob’s latest urban adventure is an initiative with the Audubon Society and the City of Chicago that involves establishing a native prairie on top of an underground parking garage at Chicago’s McCormick Place. And this is just ordinary, everyday stuff for Bob!

In dealing with so many varied issues and projects, it is only natural that Bob’s “people skills” are well developed. Bob is easy to work with, eager to be involved, and dependable. He has an excellent reputation and working relationship with agencies, organizations, community leaders, as well as farmers and contractors. He works well with his SWCDs, local and county level units of government, and private environmental organizations.

In Bob’s “country,” just a stone’s throw away from the third largest metropolitan area in America, so much is happening. Farming continues to exist on the fringe, development continues, and the ongoing battle between water and people rages on. But the communities and people of this urban area continue to pursue a balance with the environment. Even city folk need an oasis or a nice place to walk and get away from the busy city. Those people, and those community leaders who struggle to keep part of Chicago a little “green,” are lucky to have the commitment, the dedication, and the leadership of Bob Jankowski.

The Pike County NRCS/SWCD Team, located in Pittsfield, Illinois sets the standard for teamwork. The team is comprised of Robert Meats, District Conservationist; Stephanie Bradley, Soil Conservation Technician; Brad Smith, Resource Conservationist; and Debbie Dugan, Administrative Coordinator.

This high-performing team has mastered many of the factors crucial to teamwork and has made those factors into habits and traditions. This team is highly productive, putting countless solid conservation practices on the ground.

They have a clear purpose in mind and demonstrate a commitment to customer service through building strong relationships with clients. The team’s positive attitude is also evident in the partnerships developed with other state, federal, and local organizations and the successful projects theses partnerships have created.

Managing workload in a field office setting can be a staggering task, but this team works together in an unprecedented manner to achieve success—sharing information, cross-training one another, and displaying a willingness to go well above and beyond the call of duty when circumstances demand. The team goals are understood to be the responsibility of the entire team, not just the individual in charge of a particular program. This type of commitment and flexibility allows ordinary team members to make extraordinary things happen.

Communication, the heart and soul of every team, is an area this team has paid special attention to. When new policies, programs, or guidelines are unveiled, the team meets to objectively discuss ideas and options brought to the table by all team members. This open communication strategy, built in an environment where there is mutual trust and respect, has banished the conflict and other negative realities teams often experience.

In addition to being a productive, goal-oriented, and tight-knit team on the job, these team members all consider one another to be “good friends.” They have regular get-togethers and porch parties for special events or no reason at all!

According to Stephanie Bradley, “Even if I didn’t work with these people, I would still want them on my ‘A List’ of friends!”

Now that’s a high performing Team!

Nominee Finalists
LaSalle County NRCS/SWCD Team Ottawa, Illinois Nominated by: Catherine Hadley	Saline County NRCS/SWCD Team Harrisburg, Illinois Nominated by: Saline County NRCS/SWCD Team	Brown County NRCS/SWCD Team Mt. Sterling, Illinois Nominated by: Sharon Hartzold
Nominee
Cass County Field Office Team Nominated by: Rhonda Holliday and Lynette Scheffer