80th Annual Meeting and Supervisor Elections

The Noble Soil and Water Conservation District held its 80th Annual Meeting and Banquet on October 20th, 2022, at the Noble Community Center. Richard Gessel ran unopposed  and re-elected to the Board of Supervisors for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2023. Richard Gessel, SWCD board chairman, started off the evening with the Pledge of Allegiance. Jay McElroy, NRCS District Conservationist, followed with the invocation. The 80 plus guests were treated to a barbeque dinner catered by Tim and Jody Parsons, owners of Hog Hollow BBQ. A power point presentation covering the Noble Soil and Water Conservation District’s Year in Review was played throughout the meal. After dinner, Dave Schott, District Administrator and Wildlife/Forestry Specialist for Noble SWCD, recognized the special guests in attendance, including elected officials, area agency workers and any candidates running for office.

Dave awarded the 2022 “Cooperator of the Year” to Chris and Tara Estadt. Chris, his wife, Tara, and their children Chuck, Ida, and Aaron live on 198 acres of mostly forested land in Enoch Twp. Since 2019 they have controlled the growth, composition, structure and quality of their forest. They have spent countless hours eradicating invasive species such as ailanthus, autumn olive, grapevines, and barberry. The Estads produce their own maple syrup and extract honey from their beehives. Through their conservation practices, the Estadts are helping to conserve the natural resources for themselves and future generations in Noble County.

Dave then presented the “Friend of Conservation” award to the Village of Caldwell. The Village of Caldwell has been a great supporter of Noble SWCD’s conservation efforts. They have allowed us to host the Area 3 Envirothon and Environmental Day Camp at Caldwell Lake. The lake is a great place to spotlight Caldwell’s abundant natural resources. Together the Envirothon and Environmental Day Camp brought 200 plus students to Caldwell Lake to learn the importance of conserving our natural resources. Mayor Misty Wells accepted the award for the village.

The Noble Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors and Staff would like to express a sincere thank you to all the supporters who attended the evening’s festivities to celebrate another great year in conservation.

Pictured below: 2022 Cooperator of the Year Chris and Tara Estadt and their children Chuck, Ida, and Aaron, along with Dave Schott, Noble SWCD District Administrator and Wildlife/Forestry Specialist.

Pictured Below: 2022 Friend of Conservation, Mayor Misty Wells accepting for The Village of Caldwell. Presented by Dave Schott, District Administrator and Wildlife/Forestry Specialist for Noble SWCD.