The Franklin County Conservation District (FCCD) celebrated 70 years of conservation leadership during a banquet held last week at the Menno Haven Life Center, recognizing the District’s seven decades of service while honoring two individuals whose commitment to conservation has left a lasting impact on Franklin County.

Former Franklin County Commissioner Warren Elliott served as master of ceremonies, guiding the evening’s program as agricultural producers, business leaders, conservation partners, and federal, state, county and local elected officials gathered to reflect on the District’s accomplishments since its founding in 1956.

The evening marked the District’s 70th anniversary of partnering with the community to protect and conserve soil and water resources. The celebration also recognized 105-year-old FCCD Associate Director Samuel Worley with the inaugural Lifetime Conservation Achievement Award and honored Alan Gift of Greencastle as the 2026 Conservation Farmer of the Year.

Throughout the evening, speakers highlighted the vision and dedication of the District’s founding directors, local farmers and agency staff whose commitment established a strong foundation for conservation in Franklin County.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding applauded the Franklin County Conservation District for seven decades of protecting the county’s natural resources through education, technical assistance and partnerships with landowners, municipalities and agricultural producers.

Although unable to attend because of illness, Samuel Worley was recognized for more than a century of contributions to conservation and agriculture. The District presented him with its inaugural Lifetime Conservation Achievement Award, created to honor individuals whose careers or volunteer service have produced measurable, lasting conservation outcomes, demonstrated exceptional leadership and advanced conservation values for future generations.

Bill Worley accepted the award on his father’s behalf and shared remarks recognizing his father’s lifelong dedication to conservation.

Alan Gift was recognized as the District’s 2026 Conservation Farmer of the Year for implementing numerous Best Management Practices (BMPs) on his family’s Greencastle-area farm. His conservation efforts include pasture management, streambank fencing, construction of an animal trail, a roofed Heavy Use Area (HUA), roof gutters, underground outlets and an access road to reduce soil erosion, nutrient runoff and nonpoint source pollution.

While grant funding supported many of the conservation projects, Gift also contributed significant personal time and resources to improve the operation. The Franklin County Conservation District Board of Directors recognized his commitment to protecting natural resources and promoting responsible agricultural stewardship by selecting him as this year’s Conservation Farmer of the Year.

The District also recognized the generous support of local sponsors that helped make the anniversary celebration possible, including Interstate Garage Doors, LandStudies Inc., F&M Trust, Franklin County Area Development Corporation, PLGIT, Horizon Farm Credit, SEK, Strickler Agency, and Paul and Pam Witter.

Since 1956, the Franklin County Conservation District has worked with farmers, landowners, municipalities and community partners to conserve soil, protect water quality and promote the responsible management of Franklin County’s natural resources. The 70th anniversary celebration honored the District’s legacy while reaffirming its commitment to serving the community for generations to come.