The John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District recently recognized individuals who have made contributions to protecting Fauquier County’s natural resources through education and the implementation of conservation practices that protect the quality of local waters.

Gina Farrar of Orlean received the Edwin Gulick Conservation Educator Award. Ms. Farrar for 27 years has hosted The Warrenton Garden Club's Nature Camp, in cooperation with the Piedmont Environmental Council, at her farm along the Rappahannock River.

John Pennington of Monomoy Services in Marshall received the Conservation Contractor Award.

The 2011 Conservation Farm Award for the Rappahannock Watershed was presented to Marriott Ranch near Hume, represented by General Manager Lanier Cate.

The 2011 local Clean Water Award for the Potomac Basin was presented to Oak Grove Meadows of Marshall, represented by Katherine McLeod (owner) and Josh Walker (dairyman).

The district held its annual awards luncheon in December at the Inn at Vint Hill.