Caring for the land
Erons receive Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award
For the City Times
John and Melissa Eron of Stevens Point have been selected as the recipients of the 2020 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.
In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
The Erons were named as this year’s award recipient at the Nov. 19 meeting of the Wisconsin Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Madison.
They receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected. A video celebrating their conservation success will be premiered during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s virtual annual meeting on Dec. 4.
“Wisconsin Farm Bureau is proud to work with the Sand County Foundation to recognize and highlight farmers for their outstanding conservation efforts,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Joe Bragger. “The Erons are extremely deserving of this honorable award. John is known as the go-to conservation person in his area of the state and has great compassion in caring for the land. As farmers, John and Melissa understand the importance of working with a variety of groups so together we can make the land better for future generations.”
Award applications were reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders. Among the Wisconsin landowners nominated for the award were finalists: Mike Berg of Lafayette County, Charlie Hammer and Nancy Kavazanjian of Dodge County, Brian Maliszewski of Trempealeau County, and John and Dorothy Priske of Columbia County.
Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 20 states with a variety of conservation, agricultural and forestry organizations. For more information, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.