The Pike County Conservation District (PCCD) hosted its first annual dinner since 2019 on November 1. The event honored the recipients of its Conservation Achievement Awards.

These awards recognize individuals, groups and organizations for their work and desire to go above and beyond to help conserve Pike County’s natural resources, the organization said. Awards were given in three categories: Conservation Achievement, Educator Conservation Achievement and Youth Conservation Achievement Award. The 2024 award recipients are Keep Hawley-Honesdale Beautiful (KHHB), Conservation Achievement.

The following were honored: Linda Lohner, Educator Conservation Achievement Award; Bernadine Salak, Educator Conservation Achievement Award; and Riley Smith, Youth Conservation Achievement Award. 

Pike County Commissioners Ron Schmalzle and Christa Caceres presented all award recipients with a plaque made from salvaged maple and engraved using solar energy to commemorate their accomplishments. 

The annual dinner also featured highlights from district staff and board activities throughout 2024. There was also an Owls of the Night presentation from the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center. 

Nominations for the 2025 Conservation Achievement Awards will open on January 1, 2025. The nomination form and more details can be found on the district website at https://bit.ly/pccd-awards.