Conservation Awards Presented Ahead of Farm City Week

The Centre County Conservation District recently presented the 2025 Conservation Awards to kick off the annual Farm City Week festivities. 

Farm City Week, which runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, is a national observance recognizing the cooperative relationship between agricultural areas and urban areas. 

During Farm City Week, the Conservation District ramps up its educational events, aiming to support understanding of, appreciation for and knowledge about agriculture. In addition to educational opportunities, the Conservation District uses Farm City season as a time to reflect on and reward responsible stewards of land, water and natural resources.

Outstanding Conservation Farmer Award

The Stine Family is the 2025 recipient of Centre County Conservation District’s Outstanding Conservation Farmer Award.

The Stine Farm was founded in 1813 and has continued to adapt to changes in conservation practices for more than two centuries. The Stines also have been regular participants in the Conservation District’s cover crop program for years, and recently they hosted a farm tour for conservation professionals and community members to showcase the practices that have allowed their operation to flourish without sacrificing the well-being of the environment.

“The Stine Family is an excellent of conservation stewardship in Centre County,” Jim Coslo, director of the Centre County Conservation District, said. “Congratulations and many thanks to the Stine family for demonstrating a long-standing commitment to conservation.”

Watershed Stewardship Award

Bob Vierck received the 2025 Watershed Stewardship Award. Vireck has helped execute numerous streambank stabilization projects throughout Central Pennsylvania, including this year’s projects along Slab Cabin Run in Millbrook Marsh and Walnut Springs in Walnut Springs Park.

Beyond his service this year, Vireck is known throughout the conservation community for taking on many roles

He has contributed to conservation efforts as habitat restoration and technology specialist for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, chairman of Keystone Water Resources Center and president emeritus of the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

“Thanks to Bob’s dedication to restoring our water resources, Centre County has cleaner, healthier streams today and for generations to come,” Coslo said in describing and celebrating the impacts of Vireck’s work.

On Oct. 21, the Centre County Board of Commissioners issued the proclamation for Farm City Week 2025 in Centre County.