CUYAHOGA SWCD CONSERVATION AWARDS

Cuyahoga SWCD annually recognizes individuals and organizations who are leading conservation efforts in Cuyahoga County. From elected officials and municipal leaders to school teachers and residents, the Cuyahoga SWCD Conservation Awards highlight community leaders that are advancing conservation across the county. Their passion, commitment, and leadership inspires current and future generations to become better stewards of the valuable natural resources in our region.

LEGACY CONSERVATIONIST AWARD

Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District’s Legacy Conservationist Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary dedication and leadership in advancing conservation efforts throughout their career in Cuyahoga County. Individuals receiving this award have made significant and lasting contributions to the conservation and stewardship of natural resources in our region. They have shown exceptional leadership in promoting sustainable practices, advocating for environmental protection, and inspiring others to engage in conservation efforts. The work of our Legacy Conservationists has left a lasting legacy in Cuyahoga County and beyond, inspiring future generations to continue their commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. Scroll down to see the 2024 Legacy Conservationist Award recipients.

RUTH SKULY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Ruth Skuly Educator of the Year Award honors outstanding environmental educators in Cuyahoga County who demonstrate exceptional dedication and impact in their field. This award celebrates individuals who inspire and empower youth and community members to understand, engage with, and protect their natural surroundings.

This award is named after long-time Cuyahoga SWCD Board Supervisor, Ruth Skuly.  Since her election to the Board in 2001, Ruth Skuly has been a pivotal figure in the District. She played a crucial role in shaping Cuyahoga SWCD’s trajectory by spearheading its inaugural strategic plan. Her leadership extended to statewide influence, serving on the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ Board of Directors, where she continued to guide and enhance conservation efforts across Ohio. Ruth continues to serve as an Associate Supervisor and through this annual award, we continue to honor her legacy in our District. Scroll down to read more about our current and past recipients of the Ruth Skuly Educator of the Year Award.

DAN BOGOEVSKI

Dan Bogoevski is recognized as a Cuyahoga SWCD Legacy Conservationist for his pivotal contributions to stormwater management and water quality in our region. At Ohio EPA’s Division of Surface Water, Dan has consistently advocated for rigorous standards under Ohio’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit program. His knowledge and expertise of Ohio stormwater regulations, paired with his willingness to share information and resources, has helped numerous communities understand and properly administer the MS4 program across five permit cycles. Dan’s contributions extend beyond regulatory compliance as he has played a crucial role in shaping Cuyahoga SWCD’s Stormwater Program and service offerings, providing invaluable resources to our local municipalities. Dan’s unwavering commitment to stormwater management throughout his career will have a lasting impact in Cuyahoga County and beyond, enhancing environmental stewardship and fostering sustainable land management practices.   

FRED CASH

Cuyahoga SWCD recognizes Fred Cash as a Legacy Conservationist for his lasting contributions to conservation efforts in Cuyahoga County and Ohio. As a former board member of Cuyahoga SWCD and member of the Ohio Soil & Water Conservation Council, Fred has dedicated decades of his career to promoting sustainable watershed and land use practices. His previous role as a Municipal Engineer with CT Consultants allowed him to merge technical expertise with conservation advocacy. Fred’s leadership extends beyond engineering, having served as president of the Greenwood Farm Association, and currently serving as chair of the Richmond Heights Planning Commission. His enduring commitment to environmental preservation and community development exemplifies his legacy of conservation stewardship, fostering a balanced relationship between urban growth and ecological integrity.

BOB GARDIN

Bob Gardin is recognized as a Cuyahoga SWCD Legacy Conservationist for his dedication to environmental stewardship and community advocacy throughout his career. As former president of the Cleveland Waterfront Coalition and co-founder of Friends of Big Creek (now Big Creek Connects), Bob has been instrumental in preserving and restoring local waterways. Since 2009, he has served as Executive Director of Big Creek Connects, leading initiatives like the annual Big Creek Stream Clean Up, a cornerstone event now in its 25th year. Bob’s influence extends beyond Big Creek, having served as a long-time board member of West Creek Conservancy and contributing to the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern Committee. Currently, he continues to shape urban development through his role on the Cleveland Design Review Committee for the Near West Region, embodying a lasting commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement.

JAN RYBKA

Cuyahoga SWCD recognizes Jan Rybka for her significant contributions promoting conservation practices and environmental stewardship throughout Cuyahoga County. Joining Cuyahoga SWCD in 2001 as District Administrator, Jan helped develop numerous education, watershed, and stormwater programs that continue to thrive today. During her time with the District, Jan was instrumental in securing a variety of grants to establish and expand conservation efforts across the county. Jan’s transformative impact is reflected in the growth of staff from just two in 2001 to 18 employees today, along with increasing the District’s operating budget from $120K to $1.3M annually. Jan’s vision and enthusiasm for conservation played a pivotal role in implementing numerous conservation projects, including the creation of the Lakefront Nature Preserve and the Cuyahoga County Healthy Urban Tree Canopy grant program. Through strategic partnerships and fostering staff leadership, Jan has solidified Cuyahoga SWCD’s reputation as a leading force in urban conservation for years to come.  

JACKI ZEVENBERGEN

Jacki Zevenbergen is recognized as Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District’s 2024 Ruth Skuly Educator of the Year award for her profound impact on environmental education throughout her career. Previously serving as a Watershed Coordinator at Washington SWCD and Educator at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Jacki brought a wealth of knowledge and experience when she joined Cuyahoga SWCD in 2017. Jacki has played a foundational role in developing and expanding Cuyahoga SWCD’s school, teacher, and youth education programs, fostering a deeper connection between students and environmental stewardship. Her commitment to environmental education extends beyond her professional role as Stormwater Education Manager. Jacki also serves on the state board for Project Learning Tree, where she helps empower educators to bring real-world forestry concepts into the classroom. An avid kayaker and active member of Friends of Crooked River, Jacki embodies a passion for environmental advocacy and education that inspires both colleagues and students alike.