Washington Conservation Society - Creating A Legacy

Fred is the last person to ever talk about how much he works, how many meetings he's attending, or the impact he's had on conservation in our region. But for decades, he's dedicated much of his life to protecting agricultural lands and promoting agriculture in our community. That's why we were so happy to see the Washington Conservation Society recognize Fred's contributions by inducting him as a Creating A Legacy honoree at their annual meeting this year. 

The program recognizes individuals who have had a significant and long-lasting impact or influence on strengthening conservation practice or partnerships at the local, state, regional, and national levels. 

I've always known Fred to be involved in conservation, but it's been inspiring to learn more about his work through the stories I've heard from others. I never knew that Fred filled out the paperwork for Washington Conservation Service's 501(c)(3) non-profit status in our kitchen many years ago, but of course that's right in line with his approach to just getting things done and his corresponding motto "you don't need a lawyer to do it!"

But my favorite part of the evening was when members of the Thurston Conservation District and the Washington Conservation Society began talking about the award and the inductees. Fred was happy that Dean Longrie and Jerry Scheele were being honored, and then was genuinely surprised when his name was announced. He's never done any of this work for awards, and he's never asked for recognition. He just believes in the good that comes through conservation, so it never even occurred to him that he would be acknowledged for it.

After thanking everyone for the award, Fred was quick to recognize the contributions of everyone he worked with, and those who are continuing this conservation work and extending the impact of conservation programs.

Now it's my turn to thank the Washington Conservation Society and the Thurston Conservation District for honoring Fred with the Creating A Legacy award. It means a lot to all of us.

For more about Fred's work in conservation, see the Thurston Conservation District's nomination letter.