NORWICH – The Chenango County Soil and Water Conservation District held its annual luncheon Wednesday, presenting awards for farm of the year and forestry conservation achievement.

The district paid special tribute to Marsha Guzewich and Fred von Mechow, recipients of the CCSWCD Forestry Conservation Achievement Award, for their work in promoting environmental education while working at Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne. The center, which was forced to close at the end of 2010 after being denied further state funding, staffed Guzewich and von Mechow for more than two decades.

“It’s good to be recognized by people for the work you do,” said von Mechow. He added that he is proud of the work he put forth in his 23 years at Rogers.

“I’m very honored,” Guzewich said, recollecting her 27 years of service. “It makes me feel like there was a real appreciation for Rogers ... it wasn’t just for students – it was for an array of people.”

The Soil and Water Conservation District usually looks at a list of factors to determine who is worthy of the award; this year was different according to conservationist Lauren Johnson.