August 24, 2026 - Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, GA – The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) held their annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Monday, August 24, 2026 during their Annual Meeting to honor and award those individuals who have gone above and beyond to further conservation efforts for our state. The awards are Superior Professional Support, District of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Urban Conservationist of the Year and Conservationist of the Year. Scholarship recipients and special recognitions were also honored.
Every year, GACD recognizes farmers and landowners that are conducting exemplary conservation work on their land and have demonstrated a strong commitment to soil and water conservation through their land stewardship, outreach and community interactions, and/or education. The recipient of GACD’s 2025 Conservationist of the Year award is Eddy Turner.
Eddy Turner of Tennille, Georgia, was named Conservationist of the Year for his outstanding commitment to agriculture, soil health, and natural resource conservation. As a Central Georgia Conservation District Supervisor and NACD Soil Health Champion, Turner has implemented innovative practices including no-till farming, cover crops, and sustainable soil management on his 580-acre farm. He extends his commitment beyond his own operation by hosting soil health workshops, supporting underserved farmers, and promoting agricultural education and conservation partnerships. Through his leadership, innovation, and willingness to share his knowledge, Turner inspires others to become better stewards of the land. He was nominated for this award by the Central Georgia Conservation District. Congratulations to Eddy Turner!
In 2023, GACD started a new award to recognize urban conservationists for their exemplary work and strong commitment to soil and water conservation through their land stewardship, outreach, community interactions, and education in urban areas of Georgia. The recipient of GACD’s 2026 Urban Conservationist of the Year award is Sister Terri Ali. Sister Ali is founder and manager of the Firdous Community Garden at Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, a private school for pre-K-12. She engages the community and student body in managing the regeneratively grown 30 beds, orchard, and high tunnels, providing hands-on agriculture experience. Even school administration, cafeteria cooks, and parents work in the garden. The garden is also incorporated into the entire school’s curriculum. The produce is harvested by both the school and the community at large, providing vital nutritious food in a food desert area. Through her work at the Firdous Garden, Sister Ali has transformed limited urban land into a productive, regenerative agricultural system while educating scores of students in hands-on conservation principles like soil health, cover crops, composting and more. She was nominated by the Dekalb County Conservation District and NRCS. Congratulations to GACD’s 2026 Urban Conservationist of the Year, Sister Terri Ali!
The District of the Year award was established by GACD and the Tennessee Valley Authority in 2001 to recognize the Conservation District in Georgia which best plans, implements, and reports a conservation program in a given year. GACD is excited to recognize the Clayton County Conservation District as the 2026 District of the Year. The Clayton County Conservation District has made great strides in recent years to strengthen partnerships with local schools, community gardens, producers, and conservation organizations. In a county facing continued development and urbanization, the supervisors have put heavy emphasis on teaching agriculture and natural resource stewardship to the next generation through initiating annual Ag Field Days, Farm Tours, the Poster Contest, STEM nights, and more. Each supervisor has contributed to the district’s success, and we would like to give special recognition to Supervisor Barbara Gibbs-Hodge who sadly passed away last week after a battle with cancer. She has made a great impact on the district. The District was nominated by GSWCC Region 4 and Northwest Regional Program Manager, Jena Leone. Congratulations to GACD’s 2026 District of the Year, Clayton County!
In appreciation of District Supervisors’ commitment to the protection of Georgia’s natural resources, GACD presents a Supervisor of the Year award annually at Annual Meeting. The award recognizes exemplary achievements, leadership, and service to GACD, NACD, and local communities. This year, George Kelecheck, District Supervisor for the Rockdale County Conservation District, is the 2026 Supervisor of the Year. Since joining the Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District in 2020, George Kelecheck has been a tireless advocate for protecting natural resources and inspiring others to become stewards of the environment. He has supported student conservation programs and school gardens while leading watershed protection and environmental education initiatives. As President of the Haynes Watershed Foundation, George has brought together partners, agencies, and communities to advance protection of the Big Haynes Creek Watershed. His leadership has strengthened local conservation efforts and created opportunities for future generations to become environmental stewards. George was nominated by Rockdale County Conservation District. Thank You and congratulations to George Kelecheck for his dedicated service!
Each year, GACD presents an award to an individual recognized as providing superior support to Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Georgia. This year the GACD Superior Professional Support recipient is Dana Tripp with the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts. Dana Tripp serves as GACD’s Northeast Regional Program Manager and is passionate about supporting Conservation Districts and the communities they serve. She excels at building strong partnerships, bringing people together, and advancing shared conservation goals. Through her service on the Georgia Envirothon Board, Dana has also helped strengthen the program and expand opportunities for students. Most importantly, Dana genuinely cares about her District Supervisors and consistently goes above and beyond to support them. Her kindness, dependability, and positive attitude make her a valued member of Georgia’s conservation community. She was nominated by GSWCC Region 2, Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D, Lincoln County Conservation District, and Oconee River Conservation District. Thank you and congratulations to Dana Tripp for her dedicated service!
