Coughlin honored with tree stewardship award
By:
Staff report
Mike Coughlin was presented the Tree Care Award by Jared Namken, chairman of the Hamlin Conservation District, at the organization’s annual dinner on Jan. 3. Submitted photo
Brandon resident Mike Coughlin was recognized for his stewardship of nature in Hamlin County.
Coughlin was named the 2019 winner of the Tree Stewardship Award, an honor given by the Hamlin Conservation District. The award was presented Jan. 3 at the organization’s annual appreciation dinner.
Each year, the Hamlin Conservation District looks for tree sites in the county that have been well planned, planted and cared for. Stewardship reflects good management of the natural resources of soil, water and air, and planning and caring for field, farm or feedlot windbreaks helps to conserve these natural resources.
Coughlin was recognized for his sustainable practices. He has been planting trees since 1996, and since that time has planted approximately 43 acres, which include 13,170 trees and shrubs. Fabric has been applied to almost 21 miles of trees.
All of the plantings were intended for field windbreaks, farmstead shelterbelts and to create habitat for wildlife.
In addition to his stewardship efforts in Hamlin County where he has a farm, Coughlin is a member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever Wildlife Federation-Izaak Walton League, serves on the South Dakota State McCrory Gardens Board of Directors, has associations with the Arbor Day Foundation and the Nature Conservancy Foundation and more.
