The Eastern Connecticut Conservation District recently presented awards to those that significantly contributed to the successful completion of projects that fulfill their soil and water conservation mission:
Putnam Middle School Teacher Curt Prochowski was presented with a Watershed Workhorse Award for his significant assistance with site prep and installation of an Outdoor Classroom at Putnam Middle School.
The Quiet Corner Garden Club was presented with the Non-profit Partner of the Year Award for their support with the installation of and financial contributions toward the Putnam Middle School Outdoor Classroom.
The following people were elected to serve as Directors on the ECCD Board through 2025: Charlie Hobbs of Ledyard and Matt Peckham of Woodstock. Lydia Pan of Mystic was elected to serve as an Alternate Director through 2024.
Other awards went to: Master Gardener Joan Lazar of East Lyme was presented an award as a Rain Garden Designer Extraordinaire her extraordinary efforts to design and assist in installing rain gardens in the Niantic River watershed.
Girl Scout Troop 63416 from Montville was presented with an Environmental Stewards Award in recognition of their enthusiasm to protect the environment at Murphy Elementary School by installing a rain garden there.
Jacquie Reeves of the City of Groton was presented with the Circle of Excellence Ripple Effect Award for assistance with and financial contributions for the installation of a rain garden at the Groton Townhouse Apartments.
Exceptional Project Support Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to the Town of Mansfield for planning support and BMP installation assistance in the lower Natchaug River watershed, including installation of two rain gardens at Sunny Acres Park and Mansfield neighborhood and other pollution reduction strategies.
Heidi Comeau of the City of Groton was presented with a Watershed Workhorse Award for her achievements on the Baker Cove Watershed Committee and for planning assistance for rain garden and riparian buffer plantings in the City of Groton.
Kristen Distante of the Town of Groton was presented with a LISFF Grant Support Award for support with planning Pollinator Pathways and assistance with rain garden and riparian buffer plantings in the Town of Groton.

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