Collin County, Texas -- Collin County Soil & Water Conservation District #535, headquartered in McKinney, Texas, was recently named the Outstanding Conservation District for Area 5 in Texas.  This award recognizes the District’s local innovative projects and program activities, as well as its involvement with the community, including public outreach programs and youth education and participation related to natural resources conservation. 

The District will be honored for outstanding contributions to the Texas soil and water conservation program at a Conservation Awards Banquet for Area 5 on May 3, 2022.  The banquet will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Dublin High School in Dublin, Texas.  Area 5 consists of over 50 counties in North Central Texas.

Directors during the timeframe for the activities that were judged (FY 2021) were (L-R) Bill Stelzer, James Foster, Ben Scholz, the late Butch Aycock, State Board Rep Don Brandenberger, and Rick Foster. Mr. Aycock's daughter, Heather Strait, has replaced him to represent District 1 within the SWCD.

Categories in which awards will be presented include Outstanding Conservation District; Conservation Rancher; Conservation Farmer; Friend of Conservation; Conservation Teacher; and Wildlife Conservationist.  Awards will also be presented to area youth winners of the poster and essay contests.

The purpose of the Conservation Awards Program is to recognize and honor Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and individuals who have dedicated their time, efforts and talents to making wise use of renewable natural resources.

Sponsors of the Area Conservation Awards Program are the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the 216 SWCDs in Texas.