PLEASANT GAP — The Centre County Conservation District recently presented the 2025
Conservation Awards as a precursor to the annual Farm City Week festivities. Farm City Week, which runs from November 26 to December 3, is a national observance recognizing the cooperative relationship between agricultural areas and urban areas.
On Oct. 21, the Centre County Board of Commissioners issued the proclamation for Farm City Week 2025 in Centre County.
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 treats the Farm City season as a time to reflect on and reward responsible stewards of our land, water, and natural resources.
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. Moreover, the Stines have been regular participants in the Conservation District’s cover crop program for years, and recently the Stines hosted a farm tour for conservation professionals and community members. This visit helped 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,” said Jim
Coslo, Director of the Centre County Conservation District. “Congratulations and many
thanks to the Stine family for demonstrating a long-standing commitment to conservation!”
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 within Walnut Springs Park.
Beyond this year’s service, Vireck is known throughout the conservation community for
wearing “many hats.” Vireck 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,” Jim Coslo said in describing and
celebrating the impacts of Vireck’s work.
