The social and awards ceremony took place at the Winthrop Barn on Dec. 6.
Tuck Stebbins was presented the Susie Stephens Award for being an active volunteer since moving to the valley three years ago.
The Methow Conservancy announced recipients of its 2019 Methow Conservation Awards at the Conservancy’s annual holiday social and program at the Winthrop Barn on Dec. 6. Awards were given to Tuck Stebbins, Nancy and Dick Gode, and Cathy and Phil Davis.
Stebbins was presented with the Susie Stephens Award for his exceptional volunteer service over the past several years. The award has been given annually for 14 years in memory of Susie Stephens, who served as the Methow Conservancy’s development director in the early 2000s.
Stebbins has been to almost every volunteer opportunity the Conservancy has hosted since he moved to the valley three years ago, according to a press release. This year he took a leading role at Homestream Park, where he oversaw the removal of 10 tons of debris and hand-built two trails for river access.
Nancy and Dick Gode were named as this year’s Ken White Award winners. The award recognizes individuals or organizations with a long-standing history of inspiring conservation efforts in the Methow Valley. Ken White, long-known as the Methow’s naturalist, shared his deep passion for appreciating this special valley with anyone interested.
Nancy served as an early board member at the Conservancy. The Godes created a permanent conservation easement on their own land near the Goat Wall in 2006. In 2019, a gift from the Godes allowed the Conservancy to expand the conservation outcome at the Mazama Corner.
Cathy and Phil Davis earned the You Inspire Us Award for their visionary tenacity to create Homestream Park at the entrance to Winthrop. In just one year, the Davises went from idea to restoration to a beautiful public space dedicated to the rivers and fish of the Methow Valley and to the Native People, past and present, who have called this place home for thousands of years. The Methow Conservancy initiated the You Inspire Us Award in 2014 to recognize people or organizations who have been inspirational to the organization, and who have, through their good work, inspired action and positive change in the whole community.
