Consider them investors. They have invested time, planning and resources into the conservation of Oklahoma's soil and water. However, they are investing for the good of the earth rather than themselves.

Several of these conservation investors were recognized with awards at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) 84th Annual Meeting, held Feb. 27-28 and March 1 at the Edmond Conference Center.

A great example of this came as State Representative Carl Newton of District 58 in northwestern Oklahoma and Dr. Katie Blunk, a rancher at Freedom, a director of the Woods County Conserv...