Community members gathered Dec. 3 at the Oxford Recreation Center to recognize those contributing to conservation efforts in Oxford County.

The awards were part of the Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District’s annual meeting and luncheon, which celebrates the accomplishments of the district, their volunteers, and community partners.

Award presentations were made in the following categories.

Conservation-Inspired Contractor of the Year: Jason Shiers, owner of Pleasant Hill Property Services.

Partnership in Watershed Conservation: Sal Girifalco, president of Lakes Association of Norway; and Jim O’Brien, vice president of Lakes Association of Norway.

Volunteers of the Year: Christine Hawes, Sarah Otterson, Randy Stevenson, Christine Swain, Ellen Gibson and Theresa Drag.

Eight Years of Service on the OCSWCD Board: Linda Hooker.

Photo Contest Winner: Allie Burke.

Photo Contest Honorable Mentions: Kathy Everett and Carol Bourque.

They were joined by Scott Vlaun, executive director of CEBE: Center for an Ecology Based Economy, who gave a presentation about food, climate, and agroforestry.

Check out other upcoming area events!