Becky Simpson, the Education Specialist and Fiscal Manager for the Ottawa Soil & Water Conservation District, was recently named the Outstanding District Professional of the year by the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. She was recognized during the Annual Conservation Partnership Meeting in Columbus.

Simpson has been with the district for over seven years and is responsible for the education program, the SWCD’s financials, and assists with the storm water program.

She has been constantly looking for ways to innovate the office, update programs and streamline operations.

Simpson has also taken on more of a leadership role with the office as well as being involved with partner organizations.  She is the districts representative to the TMACOG Portage River Basin Council, attends Erie Basin RC&D meetings, helps organize the Black Swamp Educators programs, sits on the OSU Extension Advisory committee, and has presented at past NACD annual meetings.

The education program is where Simpson really shines, developing and enhancing several major programs and events. This year, the district completed the fifth season of the “Women in Conservation” series of programs. The ambitious program gives women opportunities, from touring a marsh in a punt boat to cooking wild game, banding birds, and pressing leaves. This innovative program has brought many women into the outdoors and more familiar with district programs.

“Day on The Wildside” is a conservation program developed for 6^th to 8^th grade youth. This year 60 children took part in the program. Since Simpson helped start this event, over 400 youth have been immersed in the outdoors. This one-day event gives kids the chance to experience fishing, shooting, the marsh, and other conservation efforts. This is put on with the help of nearly 50 volunteers that Simpson recruits, trains and instructs.

Becky Simpson of the Ottawa Soil & Water Conservation District, was honored as Outstanding District Professional by the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.