Tree Planting 2019 Earth Day

Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) is excited to announce five recipients for the DCB Conservation Award this year. It has not been awarded since 2019, therefore the Earth Day Committee has decided to make up for the lost years awarding one for each year since 2019. The recipients will be recognized on Earth Day, Monday, April 22 at 12:00 pm in the Alumni Center located on the second floor of Thatcher Hall.  

Dakota College at Bottineau continues to grow from its founding mission in 1906 of providing educational programming for those choosing a career that promotes care and concern for the environment. This focus and mission are uniquely expressed in DCB’s vision to adapt to the changing educational landscape to empower students and impact communities. A call for nominations is put out to the community and campus in the spring each year.

The DCB Conservation Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and made notable contributions to the conservation, preservation, and enhancement of our precious natural resources. The 2020 – 2024 recipients have contributed in exceptional ways with their individual development, promotion and implementation of projects and activities which have had a significant impact.

Ted Upgren, retired from The ND Game and Fish has been named the 2020 recipient. Ted served as executive editor for North Dakota Outdoors and contributor to Dakota Country Magazine where his column, This Prairie Life was regularly featured. He is also a published author and continues to write and manage his own publishing designation.

Tim Semler, retired from NDSU Extension has been named the 2021 recipient. Semler has spent his entire career providing education dedicated to the preservation of natural resources. He has instructed high school students and educated producers and extension agents in farm management delivering programs statewide on conservation.

Kathy Duttenhefner, ND Parks and Recreation Department is the 2022 recipient. Duttenhefner has a deep passion for the outdoors and natural resources. She has passed this on to generations through her volunteer opportunities in Envirothon teams. Her leadership has enhanced the parks and recreation lands throughout the State of ND.

Brian Knudson, with the Bottineau Park District has been named the 2023 recipient.  He has been instrumental in the maintenance and the many improvements made to the parks during his 44 years with the Park District. This transformation involved improving roads, planting trees, building shelters, install playground equipment along with writing grants to financially support the improvements.

Jerome Suchor, retired Field Production Specialist at the ND State Forestry has been named the 2024 recipient. Suchor’s dedication to nursery management provided many innovative projects over the years creating efficiencies in the harvesting of trees. He continues to carry his experience in the forestry business in and around his community.

The recipients have received a special invitation. Guests are welcome and asked to contact Sandy Hageness in the Campus Dean’s Office by April 17th in preparation for the recognition.