Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation District announces annual awards

The Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation District presented its annual awards at the Christmas dinner held on December 16, 2024. Several members of the community were recognized for their outstanding conservation efforts.

2024 Conservation Educator Award

Recipient: Angela Neal
Angela Neal was named the Conservation District Educator of the Year. Angela currently serves as the guidance counselor at Chincoteague Elementary School and was previously a fifth-grade teacher specializing in science and mathematics. Known for her hands-on teaching approach, Angela encouraged her students to think beyond standardized tests and explore the reasoning behind concepts.

Angela Neal is pictured with Nick Thomas, ESSWCD Chair.

2024 Conservation Stewardship Award

Recipients: Norman and Susan Colpitts
Norman and Susan Colpitts were honored for addressing significant shoreline erosion on their property caused by wave action, boat traffic, and an unusual freshwater seepage phenomenon. Through the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP), they constructed 164 linear feet of living shoreline. The project included a three-tier oyster castle enclosure, sand replenishment, coir logs, and marsh grass plantings. Additionally, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation contributed oysters to help repopulate the shoreline ecosystem.

Norman Colpitts is pictured with Nick Thomas, ESSWCD Chair.

2024 Conservation Farmer Award

Recipient: Matt Young, Young Farms
Matt Young was recognized as the Conservation Farmer of the Year. Farming 1,380 acres in Accomack County, Matt employs best management practices (BMPs) such as no-till planting, buffers, and cover crops. His primary crops include soybeans and corn, and he also manages a small herd of beef cattle.

2024 Clean Water Farm Award

Recipient: Nathan Eulo, Eulo Farms
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation sponsors the Clean Water Farm Award to honor farmers who implement conservation practices that protect water quality. Nathan Eulo, who farms approximately 1,150 acres of cropland and 20 acres of woodland, was the District’s nominee for this award. His practices include no-till farming, cover crops, and 100-foot buffers on farmland adjacent to wetland soils. He also follows a nutrient management plan to minimize runoff into the Chesapeake Bay. Nathan frequently participates in career days, educating local students about the vital role of farming.

2024 Grand Basin Coastal Award

Recipient: Nathan Eulo, Eulo Farms
From the pool of Clean Water Farm Award recipients, Nathan Eulo was chosen for the prestigious Grand Basin Coastal Award, which recognizes exceptional conservation practices. He received special recognition during the Virginia Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meeting in Roanoke.

Nathan Eulo is pictured receiving the Grand Basin Coastal Award from Travis Voyles, Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, and Matthew Lohr, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry for Virginia.

2024 Conservation Partner Award

Recipient: Robbie Lewis, Virginia Department of Forestry
Robbie Lewis was honored as the 2024 Conservation Partner Award recipient. Inspired by his early outdoor experiences with his grandfather, Robbie has dedicated his career to forestry. As the district forester for the Eastern Shore, he supports private landowners with forestry management, engages in wildfire suppression, and contributes to coastal resiliency efforts. He has also served as the Eastern Shore Envirothon Forestry Judge for many years.

Robbie Lewis was recognized for his significant contributions to the Eastern Shore’s conservation efforts.