Local Conservation Awards

Top- Awards

Throughout the year, there are different awards given to organizations, farms, and programs that show commitment to conservation.

Below are the recipients within New Castle County who have been recognized for their ongoing efforts.

Cooperator of the Year Award

This award recognizes landowners and entities that have demonstrated outstanding stewardship and conservation practices done in partnership with New Castle Conservation District (NCCD).

A cooperator is a landowner or entity who works or has worked with NCCD programs to implement land stewardship practices.

Lee Emerson - 2025 Awardee

Robert Emerson, Board President, 2025 Awardee Lee Emerson, and Caleb NCCD Staff during Cooperator of the Year Award presentation. Lee is holding his award in the center with Robert and Caleb on either side of him.

2025 Cooperator of the Year, Lee Emerson (Center) with NCCD Board Chairman, Robert Emerson (left) and NCCD Conservation Planner and Agricultural Outreach, Caleb Hopkins (Right)

Emerson Family Photo with Award standing in the lobby with four generations of family smiling for the photo for the Cooperator of the Year award.

2025 Cooperator of the Year, Lee Emerson (Center) with four generations of family

The New Castle Conservation District proudly announces that Lee Emerson has been selected as the 2025 Cooperator of the Year Awardee, an honor presented by the District’s Board of Supervisors to recognize farmers who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, and cooperation in agricultural conservation.

Emerson’s commitment to agriculture and stewardship began early. He spent more than 20 years working alongside his father, Robert Emerson, gaining firsthand experience in the values of hard work, collaboration, and responsible land management. In his early 30s, Lee and his wife, Mandy, established their own farming operation while raising their two children, Robbie and Laura, instilling in them a shared passion for agriculture and a strong respect for practical, common-sense conservation.

Throughout his career, Emerson has consistently demonstrated a proactive approach to conservation. His efforts include planting 1,700 acres of cover crops through the New Castle Conservation District and an additional 2,456 acres through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In 2024, he completed construction of a concrete heavy-use pad with a roof, significantly improving manure management and storage capabilities on the farm. He has also implemented comprehensive nutrient management practices and incorporated soil carbon amendments to support long-term soil health.

Emerson’s leadership and dedication have not gone unnoticed by his peers. One colleague remarked, “Lee has always shown tremendous interest and commitment to the betterment of the environment around him, with efforts focused on maintaining healthy soils, clean air, and safe waters—not only for agriculture, but for the world around him.”

His passion for agriculture continues to shape a lasting family legacy. In 2024, Lee and his son, Robbie, purchased a farm together—an inspiring example of intergenerational cooperation and a testament to the strength of the Emerson family’s agricultural roots.

Through his conservation achievements, community involvement, and stewardship of the land, Lee Emerson exemplifies the values celebrated by the New Castle Conservation District Cooperator of the Year Award.

Governor's Conservation Awards

Each year, awards are given in the categories of agricultural and urban conservation within each of Delaware's three counties. These honorees are chosen for their "ongoing commitment to improving the environment." Learn more about our awardees below.

2026 Agricultural Awardee:

Matthew Gott

Matthew Gott, Middletown, is a leader in agricultural conservation, demonstrating a strong commitment to implementing innovative practices that protect natural resources while enhancing farm productivity. His extensive conservation efforts span thousands of acres and address critical environmental concerns including soil health, water quality, and efficient resource management.

Since 2018, Matthew has implemented approximately 3,900 acres of cover crops, significantly reducing erosion, improving soil structure, and enhancing nutrient retention. His work also includes irrigation water management systems on nearly 300 acres and irrigation system enhancements across 800 acres, improving water use efficiency and reducing waste. In addition, he has enrolled approximately 2,200 acres in soil carbon enhancement through nutrient management and applied advanced nutrient management practices on more than 3,000 acres.

These efforts reflect the leading edge of agricultural best management practices in Delaware and offer a highly scalable model for farmers statewide. While these practices require substantial investment and management, the long-term benefits include improved soil productivity, reduced environmental impact, and increased operational efficiency.

(L to R) District Coordinator Chris Brosch, DNREC Deputy Secretary Dayna Cobb, Agricultural Awardee Rose and Matthew Gott, Delaware Association of Conservation Districts President Gwen Pierce, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist Suzy Daubert, and Delaware Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Jimmy Kroon.

2026 Urban Conservation Awardee:

The Four Seasons Community Center Pedestrian Bridges Project

The Four Seasons Community Center Pedestrian Bridges Project, Newark, represents a thoughtful and effective approach to urban conservation and community safety. Faced with two aging and deteriorated pedestrian bridges spanning stormwater management ponds, the New Castle Conservation District (NCCD) led a critical effort to restore safe access for residents while enhancing long-term infrastructure resilience.

Partnering with VanDemark & Lynch, Inc., NCCD guided the design, construction administration, and inspection of two new pedestrian bridges. The project utilized cost-effective, durable design solutions, including 12-foot timber frame bridges supported by concrete slab and sonotube foundations. New railings and upgraded concrete and asphalt sidewalks further improved accessibility and pedestrian safety throughout the community center and pool area. The project highlights how aging infrastructure in residential communities can be replaced with practical, affordable solutions that integrate with existing stormwater systems while minimizing long-term maintenance needs.

Support from DelDOT’s Community Transportation Fund and State Representative Cyndie Romer helped make the project possible, reflecting the value of collaborative investment in community infrastructure.

Urban Ag Awardee - Four Seasons with Castle Construction

(L to R) DNREC Deputy Secretary Dayna Cobb, District Coordinator Chris Brosch, Project Representative Don Yanick from Castle Construction, State Representative of the 25th District Cyndie Romer, Delaware Association of Conservation Districts President Gwen Pierce, and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist Suzy Daubert.