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Awards for Individuals

The awards program of the Soil and Water Conservation Society is designed to recognize individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in advocating the conservation of soil, water and related natural resources. These are not to be confused with Chapter Awards. Information about Chapter Awards can be found under the “Members Only” link on the left. You can also view the 2011 Awards Program to learn more about both the individual and chapter awards.

The criteria and nominating procedures for the awards program are here on the website. Award recipients will be announced at the Society's annual meeting, unless otherwise indicated.

The award category selection key will help you place your nomination in the awards category that best fits the nominee's accomplishments. Answer the questions sequentially until you are led to the appropriate award. Incorrectly placed nominations will not be considered for recognition. The formal nomination questionnaire must be filled out for the appropriate award category and may be accompanied by supporting information. There is a specific nomination questionnaire for each award category except chapter awards.

Award nominations may be submitted by email to: meredith.foley@swcs.org. You may also submit Award nominations by U.S. Postal Service (1 copy only) to: SWCS-Awards, 945 SW Ankeny Rd., Ankeny, IA 50023. Some nominations require a signed petition accompany the Awards nomination form. You may fax the signed petition to 515-289-1227. All nominations must be received by February 12. All forms of submission will receive a confirmation of receipt. Additional information, if needed, may be obtained from the Society's headquarters office 515-289-2331 ext. 112 or your regional Awards Committee representative.

Summary of Society Awards

I. Awards Available to Society Members

Fellow—Recognizes exceptional professional achievement coupled with service to the society

Number awarded: Up to 0.1% of members

Outstanding Service—Recognizes distinguished service to the society over a long and sustained period (10 years minimum) Number awarded: Up to 0.1% of members
Commendation—Recognizes members for service to their chapters (members having received other society awards are also eligible) Number awarded: Each chapter, council of chapters, society board member, or society officer may nominate no more than one member annually

Conservation Research—Recognizes SWCS society members or teams of members whose research has led to exceptional improvements in soil conservation, water conservation, and/or related natural resources research.

II. Awards Available to Society Members and Nonmembers

Hugh Hammond Bennett—Recognizes extraordinary national and international accomplishments in the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. Number awarded: One and only if a suitable candidate is nominated.
Harold-Kay Scholl Excellence in Conservation Award—Recognizes individuals who creatively and effectively provide technical assistance in conservation planning. The number and value of awards will depend on the annual income of the Scholl fund. Number awarded: One, and then only if a suitable candidate is nominated.
Honor—Recognizes people for outstanding accomplishments compatible with society objectives Number awarded: Up to 10 each year
Merit—Recognizes noteworthy conservation activity or products of organizations, agencies, or firms. Number awarded: As many as meet the criteria

Looking for information on chapter awards, including the Chapter Achievement, Outstanding Chapter, Sustained Performance, or Professional Development Awards? Click here