Youth Education Silent Auction

34 Counties/Orgs Donated Items

The Youth Education Silent Auction committee was excited to welcome the Silent Auction back in person after a few years. We would like to thank Megan Steckelberg, Adams County and Youth Education Committee member, for organizing and managing our silent auction. Megan (pictured left) took the lead in organizing the Silent Auction for the past four years and helped us streamline the Silent Auction, which increased the amount of money raised for our youth programs over the years. We are sad to see Megan leave but wish her well in her new position. We want to thank her for all of her work with the Silent Auction and Youth Education Committee through the years.

We would also like to thank all the counties and organizations for donating so many amazing items and supporting our Youth Education programs!

2023 Conservation Award Winners recognized at Annual Conference

We celebrated our 2023 Conservation Awards winners during the Conference with a lively banquet, hosted by Tracy Arnold and Pat Kilbey. Many of our winners were surprised with the news of their award and with their family and friends came to celebrate. We want to thank all of our recipients and families for their dedication to and lasting impact on Wisconsin conservation. Learn more about our deserving winners below!

Outstanding County Supervisor

Friend Of Conservation

Conservation Legacy Award

County

Melissa has displayed her commitment to conservation through her positions as chair of Land & Zoning Committee, county board supervisor, southern area representative on the WI Land+Water board, and member on the WI Land+Water Executive Committee. She has exceeded expectations by helping form and carry out the Driftless Area Water Study. Additionally, she brought climate change to Richland County’s strategic plan. “She is not afraid to fight to make Richland County a better place to live,” explains her colleagues.

Mike is recognized for supporting conservation behind the scenes, as well as professionally. He has protected Wisconsin’s environment previously as a water quality biologist and now as a supervisor at the Department of Natural Resources. “He is particularly adept at building relationships and strengthening partnerships through unconventional pathways,” says his colleagues at the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department. Mike is credited with breaking barriers and strengthening community partnerships.

His passion for improving soil health and water quality led Andy to 37 years of service in Ozaukee County, following as a Soil Health Advocate with Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. “His leadership, experience, and passion for conservation set him apart,” explains Katie Vogeler of Ozaukee County. In 2016, Andy helped establish Clean Farm Families, a producer-led watershed group. His work with this group has improved soil health practices across Ozaukee County.

Outstanding County Conservationist

Outstanding Conservation Specialist

Brad Matson Outstanding Youth Educator

Paul is a respected leader of conservation in Wisconsin. He is the founder of the producer-led watershed group, Cedar Creek Farmers. Throughout Paul’s career so far, he has worked with the public, educating them on the importance of conservation.

“Paul is the epitome of what a County Conservationist should be—a teacher, a leader, passionate, and committed to provide a better environment for all our state’s great citizens,” says Scott Schmidt of Washington County Public Works.

Conservation Farm Family Of The Year

Throughout her 15 years working in conservation, “Marie is always thinking outside the box and pushing the limits of conservation programs with the soil, water, and landowners’ best interests at heart,” says Amy Piaget of the Land & Water Resources Department in Dane County. From working with farmers as a grazing specialist in Dane County to being the director of agroecology at the Kusamala Institute of Agriculture & Ecology in Africa, she is leader who is ready to face challenges and build collaborative relationships.

“Although it may seem near impossible to make such a huge impact in just over four years, Justine Bula has completely redefined how youth education is delivered in Sauk County,” her coworkers explain. Her partnerships with local school districts have improved and expanded environmental education programs and events. In addition, Justine coordinates the Clean Sweep and Ag Plastics collection programs. She is admired for her hard work and positive attitude.

“It is truly difficult to emphasize everything that the Schoepps have done to protect land, water, and wildlife integrity for no other reason than genuinely caring about doing so,” said Todd Rietmann, Land & Water Resource Management Senior Specialist for Columbia County. As recipients of the award, the Schoepps will also host the state’s next Conservation Observance Day on June 23, 2023. The free public event will showcase the family’s conservation practices, as