The Sand County Foundation, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award and its $10,000 prize to a farmer or forester to recognize voluntary conservation practices on private working lands.

The deadline for applications is August 1. The award will be presented at the 2021 Pennsylvania Farm Show in January.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

“We believe the Leopold Conservation Award, and the outstanding leadership in agriculture that it recognizes, plays an important role in encouraging the continued growth of Pennsylvania’s sustainable agriculture movement,” said Andrew McElwaine, Vice President of Sustainability for Heinz Endowments.

“Farmers across Pennsylvania have voluntarily used their own money to install conservation practices on their land to enhance soil health and improve water quality. We are encouraging these enthusiastic stewards of the land to apply for the Leopold Conservation Award in 2020,” said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Rick Ebert. “Our farmers believe in the ethical standards supported by Aldo Leopold and embrace the notion that farmers can install and maintain conservation practices while running successful businesses.”

“Pennsylvania farmers have made great strides toward protecting our water, soil and land resources for future generations,” Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “The Leopold Conservation Award honors those whose forward-thinking investments in a sustainable future serve as both a model for their peers and representative of the culture of stewardship among Pennsylvania farmers.”

“Leopold Conservation Award recipients are at the forefront of a movement by America’s farmers and ranchers to simultaneously achieve economic and environmental success,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer.

The inaugural award was presented at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January, 2018, along with the prize and a crystal award depicting Aldo Leopold.

Dean and Rebecca Jackson of Mt-Glen Farms in Bradford County receive the PA Leopold Conservation Award at the 2020 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

The DiFebo Family of Harvest Home Farms in Bangor, Northampton County received the Award at the 2019 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

The Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of platinum sponsor, Heinz Endowments, and the assistance and support of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Sand County Foundation, USDA NRCS, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts.

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[Posted: February 16, 2020] 

2/17/2020