Farm City Week, which runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, is a national observance recognizing the cooperative relationship between agricultural areas and urban areas.

On Oct. 21, the Centre County Board of Commissioners issued the proclamation for Farm City Week 2025 in Centre County.

During Farm City Week, the Conservation District ramps up its educational events, aiming to support understanding of, appreciation for and knowledge about agriculture.

In addition to educational opportunities, the Conservation District treats the Farm City season as a time to reflect on and reward responsible stewards of our land, water and natural resources.

PHOTO PROVIDED From left are Commissioner Amber Concepcion, Commissioner Chair Mark Higgins, Conservation District Director James R. Coslo Jr., Evalene Ishler, Denny McCloskey, Devyn McPheeters, Ethan Howard and Commissioner Steve Dershem at the Oct. 21 Centre County Board of Commissioners meeting where they proclaimed Nov. 26 through Dec. 3 as Farm City Week in the county.

The Stine Family is the 2025 recipient of Centre County Conservation District’s Outstanding Conservation Farmer Award.

The Stine Farm was founded in 1813 and has continued to adapt to changes in conservation practices for more than two centuries. Moreover, the Stines have been regular participants in the Conservation District’s cover crop program for years, and recently the Stines hosted a farm tour for conservation professionals and community members. This visit helped showcase the practices that have allowed their operation to flourish without sacrificing the well-being of the environment.

“The Stine Family is an excellent of conservation stewardship in Centre County,” said Jim Coslo, director of the Centre County Conservation District. “Congratulations and many thanks to the Stine family for demonstrating a long-standing commitment to conservation!”

Bob Vierck received the 2025 Watershed Stewardship Award.

Vireck has helped execute numerous streambank stabilization projects throughout Central Pennsylvania, including this year’s projects along Slab Cabin Run in Millbrook Marsh and Walnut Springs within Walnut Springs Park.

PHOTO PROVIDED Conservation District Watershed Specialist Leigh Fehlman, at left, is pictured with Bob Vireck. Vierck received the 2025 Watershed Stewardship Award at the Annual Conservation Awards.

Beyond this year’s service, Vireck is known throughout the conservation community for wearing “many hats.” Vireck has contributed to conservation efforts as Habitat Restoration and Technology Specialist for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chairman of Keystone Water Resources Center, and President Emeritus of the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

“Thanks to Bob’s dedication to restoring our water resources, Centre County has cleaner, healthier streams today and for generations to come,” Jim Coslo said in describing and celebrating the impacts of Vireck’s work.