Feature: County Soil & Water Conservation holds annual meeting

*This is the second edition of our Feature of the Week, where we highlight organizations and individuals in Montgomery County.*

The Montgomery County Soil & Water Conservation District held their annual meeting Tuesday night at the Stone Creek Lodge. This was the organization’s 84th running of the gathering, where conservationists got to network; listen to a keynote speaker; and witness the awarding of the 2025 Conservationist of the Year.

This year’s winner was Shari McCollough, a “bird lover” who inherited Lye Creek Prairie Burn following the passing of its previous owner, Clint Murray. The property received its name after a farmer raked cornstalks and later burned them in the midst of the Dust Bowl. The fire lasted for 2 weeks, leaving a 3-foot-deep scar into the soil that expanded over 30 acres. Murray worked to restore the property into a wetland, turning it into a haven for wildlife and migratory birds. McCollough continued his work by maintaining feeding stations; initiating controlled burns; mowing trails; and preventing the spread of invasive species. Listen to the full interview below. Check out McCollough’s article about the property and Clint’s legacy here.

Dave also had a chance to talk with Conservation Director Lea Dick at the meeting.

Chad Evans, a veteran broadcast meteorologist, served as the keynote speaker for the evening. He highlighted the importance of conservation and how the environment affects the local economy. He regularly posts forecasts, severe weather alerts, and his famous Tree of the Week spotlights on his business website, which can be found here.