2018 Outstanding Conservationist

Dakota County, MN – The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (DCSWCD) is proud to announce Dean Davis of Apple Valley, MN as the 2018 Dakota County Outstanding Conservationist, for his leadership and volunteer work in conservation.

The DCSWCD staff and supervisors selected Davis as this year’s Outstanding Conservationist for his dedication to supporting residential clean water projects in the county. Davis was one of the earliest homeowners to install a raingarden through the DCSWCD’s Landscaping for Clean Water program – the raingarden he installed in 2008 is still working well in his front yard. Dean’s impact on water conservation has spread beyond his own yard, however: since 2009, he has become a significant contributor to the Landscaping for Clean Water workshops for Dakota County residents. He volunteers his time at multiple workshops every year to help homeowners plan and design hundreds of raingardens and native gardens. In the spring of 2018 alone, he volunteered thirty hours of his time.

Every year, Dakota SWCD honors a landowner, business, or organization for their contributions to conserve or restore natural resources in Dakota County, and submits our nominee for Dakota County’s Outstanding Conservationist to the Minnesota Association of SWCDs. Each county can submit one winner – an individual or organization recognized for their “outstanding accomplishments with implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota’s natural resources.”

Davis will be recognized at the DCSWCD public board meeting on October 4th, as well as at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s Annual Convention in December. The DCSWCD commends Dean Davis for being a leader in conservation and supporting clean water landscaping practices across the county.

If you would like more information on this program or other Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation work, you may visit www.dakotaswcd.org or contact the SWCD Office at 651-480-7777.