SCACD Awards

Honoring excellence in conservation across South Carolina

Each year, the South Carolina Association of Conservation Districts (SCACD) recognizes outstanding individuals, educators, districts, and partners who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to natural resource conservation.

Nomination Deadline

All nominations must be received by Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
If mailing nominations, please send them at least one week in advance to ensure timely delivery.

Submission Options

Email: atuten@scacd.org
Mail:
Ann-Lamar Tuten
5 Geology Road
Columbia, SC 29212

What’s New for 2025?

SCACD Young Professional Award

The SCACD Young Professional Award honors an individual between the ages of 18 and 45 who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to conservation in South Carolina, ensuring lasting benefits for future generations. This early career conservationist has shown initiative in addressing conservation needs at the district, state and national level.

Hugh Hammond Bennett Award

The National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP) created the Hugh Hammond Bennett Award for Conservation Excellence in 2017 to honor the legacy of Hugh Hammond Bennett by recognizing producers and conservation planners from within the NCPP partnership who have exemplified outstanding service through development and implementation of sound conservation planning and other conservation techniques.

John Parris Partnership Award

The John Parris Partnership Award recognizes an individual who has advanced natural resource conservation in the state of South Carolina through tangible programs. This award honors the efforts and dedication that John Parris contributed to conservation districts. The recipient embodies his legacy by demonstrating effective communication and leadership within South Carolina’s conservation partnership.

2025 Judging Panel

The 2025 judging panel represents conservation leaders from SCACD, NRCS, SC-DNR, and local Districts.

Mike Stewart – Chairman
Susan Birt – Edisto / Savannah Area Representative
Mary Burts – East Piedmont Area Representative
Art Garrison – West Piedmont Area Representative
Frances McClary – Pee Dee Area Representative
Odessa Armstrong – NRCS Representative
Brooke Myres – SC-DNR Representative
Sonya Terry – District Employee Representative