By Blake Jackson
The prestigious Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award is now accepting nominations for landowners who excel in managing their land for soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
Presented by the Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust, the award recognizes outstanding farmers and forestland owners in Kentucky and 27 other states.
Kentucky's winner receives a $10,000 cash prize, presented in collaboration with the Kentucky Agricultural Council and Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.
The award honors the legacy of Aldo Leopold, a renowned conservationist who championed a "land ethic" - an ethical relationship between people and the land they manage. Leopold's influential 1949 book, "A Sand County Almanac," continues to inspire conservation efforts today.
Landowners can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. The nomination form is available online at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA. All submissions must be emailed to KentuckyLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org by the deadline of March 31, 2025.
An independent panel of Kentucky agricultural and conservation leaders will review the nominations. Last year's winner was Mike Wilson from Anderson County. Past recipient profiles can be found on the Sand County Foundation website.
“The Kentucky Agricultural Council is proud to once again sponsor this award that honors the exceptional stewardship and conservation practices among Kentucky’s private landowners,” said Dr. Tony Brannon, Kentucky Agricultural Council Chairman. “Based on the work of past winners and finalists, it is clear that Kentucky farmers are committed to leaving the land in better shape for generations to come. We encourage you to nominate a farmer that exemplifies this value.”
“These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”
The Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award is supported by a generous partnership that includes American Farmland Trust, Kentucky Agricultural Council, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts, Sand County Foundation, and numerous other organizations.
Photo Credit: sand-county-foundation
Categories: Kentucky, General