Conservation Partners’ President, Taylor Cole, and his wife, Lois received two 2019 Clean Water Farm Awards for their efforts in watershed protection on their working farm in Deerfield. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation recognizes farmers “whose farm exemplifies the use of practices that protect and enhance water quality.” These practices often include an implemented conservation plan with efforts to keep nutrients, pesticides and chemicals out of the local waterways. Taylor and Lois received the local award from the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District but were also Grand Basin Winners for the James River Basin. Grand Basin Winners “demonstrate exceptional conservation.” The Grand Basin Award was presented to Taylor in December of 2019 by Secretary Ring and Secretary Strickler. You can learn more about the awards and the criteria for each award at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water/cwfa.
Taylor and Lois raise grass-fed beef and also have restored wildlife habitat throughout their farm. Taylor is the Director of Landowner Services and works with landowners considering placing a conservation easement on their land. Lois is an avid photographer and captures the beautiful wildlife and landscapes of their farm.
