Pictured above: D. Gary Reents, Randy Pederson, Holly Kovarik, Keith Nygaard, and Randy Mitteness

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Pope Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Manager Holly Kovarik has been honored with the 2025 Outstanding SWCD Administrator Award during the Minnesota Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts annual convention, held December 1–3 in Bloomington. The award was presented by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).

Kovarik leads a team of five full‑time employees and two to four seasonal staff. Over the past five years, she has worked closely with the SWCD Board and staff to install nearly 60 conservation projects across Pope County. In addition to her leadership at Pope SWCD, she also serves as fiscal agent for the Chippewa River Watershed, a joint powers entity.

“BWSR greatly values the passion and accomplishments of conservation professionals like Holly Kovarik, who works diligently to improve and protect Minnesota’s water and soil resources, working in broad coalitions to achieve her district’s goals,” said John Jaschke, Executive Director of BWSR.

The Pope SWCD staff and board expressed their excitement at the recognition, noting her dedication and leadership make a positive impact on both the office and the community. “We are proud of Holly and so happy she received this award,” said Keith Nygaard, Chair of the Pope SWCD Board of Supervisors. “She runs a great office, engages fully with staff and partners, and is always open to work with landowners on new projects that improve Pope County’s land and water resources.”

Congratulations to Holly on this well‑earned honor!

Pictured Pope SWCD Board and Staff, Pope County Commissioners, NRCS Staff with Nathan Lund

Front row: Jeff Hellermann, Holly Kovarik, Nathan Lund, Katie Disrud, Nicole Brede

Back row: Keith Nygaard, Randy Pederson, D. Gary Reents, Randy Mitteness, Paul Gerde, Paul Wildman, Larry Lindor, Gordy Wagner, and Paul Gremmels

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The Pope Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is proud to announce that Nathan Lund, 5th and 6th grade teacher at Glacial Hills Elementary School in Starbuck, has been named the 2025 Pope County Teacher of the Year. Nathan was selected for his outstanding commitment to conservation education and his ability to inspire students to become future stewards of our natural resources.

Nathan has worked closely with Pope SWCD to bring conservation and environmental education into the classroom, engaging students in hands‑on projects that enrich their learning while benefiting local natural resources. He has collaborated with professionals from Pope SWCD, the Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, USDA, and local experts to provide real‑world experiences for his students.

Through strong partnerships with Pope SWCD, Nathan ensures his students participate in events such as Water Fest, Conservation Day, and the annual SWCD Poster Contest. He has transformed his school grounds into a living laboratory with prairie restoration, pollinator gardens, tree plantings, and bluebird houses. His leadership also helped secure grant funding for outdoor classrooms, trails, and nature‑based learning spaces that benefit both students and the wider community.

Nathan’s innovative teaching methods bring environmental education to life in countless ways. He has created a hydroponic system for growing fresh produce, implemented a student‑led composting program, utilized on‑site greenhouses, and even built a “hammock hotel” for silent reading in nature. He regularly organizes outdoor experiences that connect students directly to the natural world.

Nathan Lund is not just an educator — he is an inspiration. His passion for connecting kids to the outdoors through conservation and sustainability is inspiring. Pope SWCD has seen first‑hand how he turns complex environmental concepts into tangible, meaningful experiences for his students and the community. We are honored to celebrate Nathan Lund as the 2025 Pope County Teacher of the Year.