NATCHEZ — Area farmers, agricultural leaders and those interested in the conservation of the area’s resources gathered Thursday night for the 20th annual meeting of the Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Adams County SWCD Chariman Virginia Salmon started off the evening introducing Damien Washington, who attended the Natural Resources Youth Camp.

“We offer the opportunity every year for a student to go to this camp,” she said.

Washington attends Natchez High School and said he was glad he was given the chance to go to camp.

“It was an honor to have the opportunity to go,” he said. “I learned so many things. It is a great program, and I hope they keep it.”

The speaker for the evening was private land biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Russ Walsh.

Salmon said the committee works very hard when looking for a speaker to educate those in attendance.

“We look for something that is relevant and beneficial to Adams County,” she said.

Walsh spoke on the importance of prescribed burning, a process in which farmers or land owners use fire as a tool to help the ecosystem.

“It is really a part of the life of southerners,” he said. “Farm land and wood plots use to be burned regularly to help the land.”

Improving wildlife habit, recycling nutrients, improving timber production and cost effectiveness are just a few of the benefits of prescribed burning, Walsh said.

“All of these things fire does for us,” he said. “It is a multipurpose tool.”

The Garlin Howard Award was presented to 95-year-old Natchez resident Martha Rice.

Salmon said the award is given to a landowner who has practiced soil and water conservation in an exceptional matter.

“Her commitment to conservation and preservation is outstanding,” she said. “I hope we all can achieve as much with our efforts as Mrs. Rice.”

The Walter T. Salmon award was also presented to Adams County Extension Service Director David Carter.

The Salmon award is presented to a public official or employee who shows superior service in the conservation of soil and water, Salmon said.

“He is an outstanding ambassador for Adams County,” she said. “He has brought a spark back to many areas we haven’t seen sparks in for years.”

Salmon said she was happy with the turnout and thankful for the all those who attended.

“I am so glad everyone here made it out to show support for something as important as conservation,” she said.