Each year the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts recognize and honor individuals that dedicate themselves to the conservation and management of renewable natural resources. These outstanding conservationists were recognized during an awards luncheon on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio.
The Texas Conservation Awards Program began in the late 1970’s to recognize the state’s conservationists and the vital role they play in managing Texas’ natural resources. The program’s purpose is to acknowledge, recognize, and honor individuals that dedicate their time and efforts to the conservation of renewable natural resources.
The program provides an opportunity for competition and incentives to expand and improve conservation efforts and natural resource development, as well as the wise utilization of renewable natural resources. Categories recognized through the Conservation Awards Program are: Conservation Farmer, Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District, Conservation Rancher, Friend of Conservation, Conservation Teacher, Wildlife Conservationist, Poster Contest as well as, Junior and Senior Essay Contests.
The subject for the 2019 Poster Contest was “Life in the Soil: Dig Deeper.” Wyatt Barger of DeKalb, representing the Bowie County Soil and Water Conservation District, was chosen as this year’s State Winner. Wyatt is the son of Tim and Tonya Barger, and the brother of Mallory Reed and Bailey Barger. Wyatt is an eighth-grade honor student at De Kalb Middle School where he is involved in Destination Imagination, the Robotics Program, U.I.L. One Act Play, and serves on the Middle School Student Council. Wyatt has been recognized in many art shows in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas for his amazing work! Wyatt’s hobbies include weekly art lessons at Art from the Heart art studio, gardening, and camping.
