New Castle Conservation District
"Dedicated to Soil
and Water Management"
Local Conservation 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.
2024- Matthew Gott
2024 Cooperator of the Year, Matthew Gott (left) with NCCD Board Chairman, Robert Emerson (left).
The 2024 New Castle Conservation District Cooperator of the Year is Matthew Gott. This Board award recognizes farmers who have demonstrated outstanding service and cooperation in agricultural conservation. Mr. Gott has been working with the District, USDA NRCS and FSA as well as other conservation partners to implement sustainable farming and environmental practices for more than 15 years.
Matthew Gott began his farming career in 2007 where he learned the tests of agriculture with resolve and persistence along with the inclusion of environmental and sustainable practices to enhance his success as well as the health of the land he works.
Examples of Gott’s conservation highlights include:
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Around 3,100 acres of cover crop implemented since 2018
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Irrigation Water Management Design for almost 300 acres
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Around 1,400 acres in Soil Carbon Enhancement with Nutrient Management
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Over 3,000 acres in Nutrient Management
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Almost 800 acres in Irrigation Enhancement including wells, pumps and irrigation management
Matthew’s peers have described him as“ always being dedicated to farming and the stewardship of the land, paying attention to every detail and always trying to do what’s best." His adaptation to changes in the environment, adopting sustainable practices, and welcoming cooperation with the agricultural sector has made Matthew a role model and point of difference for new and beginning farmers.
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 2024 awardees down below.
2024 Agricultural Conservation:
Rick Mickowski
Rick Mickowski began his career in conservation, June of 1975. After graduating from William Penn High School, Rick joined a summer youth conservation program in Lewden Greene park where he spent 5 summers with the youth conservation program throughout New Castle County parks. Rick graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1979 with a B.S. in Agronomy and a Minor in Range Management. Rick took a position with NCCD in 1980 where he focused on the tax ditch program and drainage investigations. In 1986 Rick’s role expanded to include educational outreach. Rick has been involved with many professional organizations over the years and has received multiple awards and recognitions for his contributions to conservation and to the community.
(left to right) DNREC Secretary Garvin, Delaware State Conservationist Diane Gray, DACD President Gwen Pierce, awardee Rick Mickowski, NCCD District Coordinator Kevin Donnelly.
2024 Urban Conservation:
Brandywine Falls Roadway Stabilization Project
Stormwater runoff had damaged the retaining wall that stabilizes Brandywine Falls Road which is the only access into the community. The work site had limited access for the contractor and the work area was tight making the project logistics critical to the success of the project. Due to the limited area of disturbance, there was minimal stockpiling of materials on the project. The precast culvert, stone, and borrow were placed as they arrived at the site. In addition, the contractor removed the retaining wall and excavated materials in trucks as the materials were excavated, so contaminated run-off and erosion from the site was minimized.
(left to right) DNREC Secretary Garvin, Delaware State Conservationist Diane Gray, DACD President Gwen Pierce, Brandywine Falls Project Team, NCCD District Coordinator Kevin Donnelly.
Past Award Recipients
Cooperator of the Year
2024- Matthew Gott
2022- Bruce Patrick
2021- Wiloughby Farms (traditional ag) & Bellevue Farms (urban ag)
2020- Bob Uniatowski
2019- Ramsey's Farm
2018- Filasky's Farm
2017- George Whitehead
2016- David H. Daniels Sr. & father 20202 David R. Daniels
2015- Bill Alfree (Deer Crossing Farm)
2014- Gwen and Norman Pierce
2013- Delaware Nature Society
2012- Two Eagles Farm, LLC
2011- Delaware Wild Lands, Inc.
2010- Bill and Mary Jane Willis
2009- Joseph Vari
2008- Woodside Farm
2007- Jack and Neal Duke
2006- Dennis and Morgan Clay
2005- Jack Coleman
2004- Ben Walters
2003- Sterling Nursery
2002- James Correll
2001- Jim Reynolds
2000- Steve Corazza
Governor's Conservation Awards
2024
Agricultural - Rick Mickowski
Urban - Brandywine Falls Roadway Stabilization
2023
Agricultural - Carousel Farm Park
Urban - The Terraces in Rockland Mills
2022
Agricultural - Jeffrey A. Bartsch, Sr
Urban - Simonds Gardens Civic Association
2021
Agricultural - Marianne Hardesty
Urban - Skyline Orchard Civic Association and General Excavating Inc – Skyline Orchards Emergency Road Repair Project Skyline
2020 No awards were held due to COVID-19
Agricultural - Colonial School District's Penn Farm
Urban - NCCo Dept. of Public Works – Westwoods Stormwater Management Pond
Urban - Cheltenham Bridge –Westminster Civic Association
Agricultural - John R. Stinson & Sons Inc.
Urban - Dragon Run Tide Gate Repair
Agricultural - Emerson Family Farm
Urban - Green Valley 2nd Street Streambank Stabilization Project
Agricultural - Whitehead Cattle Company
Urban - NCCo Carousel Park Pond