Delaware SWCD Presents Conservation Awards

The Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District recently presented their 2024 conservation awards. 

The awards recognize landowners and operators in Delaware County who have taken outstanding action to conserve natural resources.

Dan and Heidi Deutmeyer of Dyersville received the Don Eibey Memorial Award in recognition of their work to reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, build soil health, and improve wildlife habitat on the farm they own and operate west of Dyersville. They have implemented a comprehensive conservation system that includes no-till cropping, cover crops, nutrient management practices, a farmstead windbreak, a wetland enhancement, pollinator and wildlife plantings, and management of a native prairie remnant. The conservation system that the Deutmeyers have developed will ensure that their farm stays productive for future generations and provides improved water quality in local streams and drinking water.

And the Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District presented Jim and Jody Kerns of Edgewood with the Arnold Lueken Fish and Wildlife Habitat Award for their work to improve, create, and conserve wildlife habitat on their property along Honey Creek between Edgewood and Manchester. Jim and Jody are currently working to convert degraded forest into a healthier stand of desirable trees that will provide more value to wildlife. This project began with removing invasive species such as honeysuckle, next desirable trees were planted, then remaining undesirable trees were girdled or felled to allow sunlight to reach the newly planted trees. They have also seeded native prairie grasses and flowers to create habitat for many species of wildlife including pollinators, songbirds, pheasant, deer, and turkey. The Kerns are active managers of their natural resources and are always willing to share their knowledge with others interested in forestry or other wildlife habitat projects by hosting field days.

photos courtesy of Delaware SWCD

Top Photo – Don Eibey Memorial Award – from left Chris Eibey, Delaware SWCD Treasurer; Heidi
Deutmeyer; Dan Deutmeyer; Dave Mack, NRCS District Conservationist

Bottom Photo – Arnold Lueken Fish and Wildlife Habitat Award – from left Chris Eibey, Delaware SWCD
Treasurer; Jody Kerns; Jim Kerns; Steve Lueken, Delaware SWCD Chairman; Dave Mack, NRCS District
Conservationist