OXFORD — Community members gathered on Saturday, December 3 at the Oxford Rec. Center to recognize individuals contributing to conservation efforts in Oxford County. The awards were part of the Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District’s 2022 Annual Meeting and Luncheon, which celebrates the accomplishments of the district, its volunteers, and community partners. They were joined by Scott Vlaun, Executive Director of CEBE: Center for an Ecology Based Economy, who gave a presentation about food, climate, and agroforestry.

Award presentations were made in the following categories:
Conservation-Inspired Contractor of the Year
o Jason Shiers, Owner of Pleasant Hill Property Services

Partnership in Watershed Conservation
o Sal Girifalco, President of Lakes Association of Norway
o Jim O’Brien, Vice President of Lakes Association of Norway

Volunteers of the Year
o Christine Hawes
o Sarah Otterson
o Randy Stevenson
o Christine Swain
o Ellen Gibson
o Theresa Drag

8 Years of Service on the OCSWCD Board
o Linda Hooker

Photo Contest Winner
o Allie Burke

Photo Contest Honorable Mentions
o Kathy Everett
o Carol Bourque

The OCSWCD is proud of the achievements of the award winners and looks forward to another year of providing education and conservation work to serve the residents of Oxford County!