WALPOLE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The Cheshire County Conservation District has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing three individuals and organizations for their contributions to conservation, education and the Cheshire County community.

This year’s recipients are Oliver and Elise Levick of Monadnock Berries in Troy, who are receiving the Cooperator of the Year Award; Carl Majewski of UNH Cooperative Extension, who is being honored as Educator of the Year; and Marti Fiske and Amy Kraemer of the Keene Public Library, who are receiving the district’s first Community Partner of the Year Award.

The Cheshire County Conservation District presents its Cooperator of the Year and Educator of the Year awards annually. This year, the organization introduced the Community Partner of the Year award to recognize a partner for its work on individual projects as well as its broader service to the Cheshire County community.

Cooperator of the Year

Oliver and Elise Levick, owners of Monadnock Berries in Troy, are this year’s Cooperator of the Year recipients.

The award recognizes producers who work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and/or Cheshire County Conservation District on efforts that support agricultural production while promoting healthy soils, clean water and wildlife habitat.

Monadnock Berries has been in the Levick family since 1996. As the second generation working the property, Oliver and Elise Levick have continued the farm’s connection to the land while incorporating conservation into their operation.

The Conservation District describes Monadnock Berries as an example of community building through its agricultural operation, outdoor recreation opportunities and efforts to care for the land for the long term.

Oliver Levick said the farm’s role extends beyond simply owning the property.

“You can say you own the land, but you really are just a caretaker,” Levick said. “The land will be here long after we’re gone, and making certain improvements helps the land to function.”

Educator of the Year

Carl Majewski of UNH Cooperative Extension has been named the district’s 2026 Educator of the Year.

Majewski works as a Field Specialist, working directly with New Hampshire producers on soil management practices designed to maintain healthy and productive soils.

The Conservation District said Majewski’s work is also focused on building long-term relationships with farmers and their operations. Some of those relationships have lasted more than 25 years, allowing Majewski to work with multiple generations and see farms adapt to new ideas and circumstances.

“One of the things I like about the job is that not only can you keep learning, but you are expected to keep learning,” Majewski said.

Majewski also credited his colleagues, conservation districts and the farmers he works with for helping him carry out his work.

“It’s not just me,” Majewski said. “I am proud of the work I do, but I wouldn’t be able to do it on my own. It’s my extension colleagues, the conservation districts, and the farms that I work with. They all help me do a better job.”

Community Partner of the Year

The Keene Public Library is the first recipient of the Cheshire County Conservation District’s new Community Partner of the Year Award.

The district said the award recognizes organizations that contribute to the community not only through specific partnerships and projects, but also through their broader service.

The Keene Public Library’s mission is to serve as a place for community and learning, providing free and accessible resources while partnering with other organizations to support residents.

Marti Fiske and Amy Kraemer are being recognized as representatives of the library for its partnership and community service.

Kraemer described the library’s role as helping people become more independent by teaching them how to find and access resources.

“The library makes people more independent,” Kraemer said. “It’s like teaching a person to fish; if you teach them to access resources once, they now know to come back to access more resources.”

The three award recipients will be recognized during the Cheshire County Conservation District’s 81st Annual Celebration on October 22 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Walpole Town Hall.

Individual tickets are $38 and include a meal, activities and access to the auction. Reserved tables for eight are $284 and include the same benefits for all eight attendees.

Registration is required by October 9. Additional information and registration assistance are available from the Cheshire County Conservation District at 603-904-3011 or info@cheshireconservation.org.

The event is sponsored by Savings Bank of Walpole, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Farm Credit East, Walden Mutual and Mascoma Bank.

The Cheshire County Conservation District was established in 1945 and works to promote the conservation and responsible use of the county’s natural and agricultural resources through technical, financial and educational assistance.