On Thursday, October 22, with over 200 people in attendance, Placer Land Trust (PLT) honored retired Lincoln High teacher, Mark Fowler, as the 2015 Placer Conservator of the Year! A great time was had by all, and we are thrilled to share that this year’s Placer Conservator event was the most successful one yet! Proceeds of over $35,000 will benefit PLT’s work of protecting natural and agricultural lands in Placer County—now and forever.
Each year, the Placer Land Trust Board of Directors selects an individual or organization within the community that enriches the quality of life in Placer County through resource conservation to receive the prestigious Placer Conservator award. The event is also the Land Trust’s largest annual fundraising event, which was held this year at the Blue Goose event center in Loomis.
“Placer Land Trust selected Mark because he’s engaged directly with our community in so many ways,” explains Placer Land Trust Board President Fred Yeager. “His many community efforts and his ability to empower people of all ages in resource conservation work shows his commitment to a healthy and sustainable community.”
Mark is a multi award-winning retired Lincoln High School teacher who helped enhance agricultural learning in the curriculum. His commitment and passion for his work earned him recognition as a Teacher of the Year, and he has been inducted into the Lincoln High School Hall of Fame. He helped create the innovative Lincoln High School Farm Program, which will be educating youth about the importance of agriculture for generations to come. Mark continues to educate youth today in after school programs and local events such as annual bird counts, and he organizes and facilitates outdoor education programs. He also hosts nature trips for local youth to explore and learn about California and the Western United States.
In addition, Mark improves our community by serving on numerous non-profit boards and public commissions, including the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Placer County Fish & Game Commission, Western Placer Education Foundation, Placer County Conservation Plan Biological Working Group, Fruitvale School Association Board, and Lincoln High School Farm Foundation.
“Placer Land Trust is honored to have Mark as a member of our organization,” said Executive Director Jeff Darlington. “We commend him for his incredible accomplishments that have led to his well-deserved receipt of the prestigious Placer Conservator Award.”
“I am very honored and humbled to receive the Placer Conservator award,” said Mark Fowler. “It was a great evening seeing so many friends, family and colleagues who came to support not just me but the Land Trust as well.”
