The work being done in your backyard by area farmers is being honored by a state conservation group this month. Peninsula Pride Farms was named one of eight Lake Michigan Champions of Conservations by the non-profit group Lake Michigan Stakeholders. The farmer-led watershed group joins Rep. Katrina Shankland, Neenah High School graduate Nigel Thao, Friends of Stony Brook founder Joe Bach, Lake Sturgeon Rehabilitation Project Coordinator Mary Holleback, Wisconsin DNR Great Lakes District Fisheries Supervisor Brad Eggold, Oneida Nation Environment Project Manager Tony Kuchma, and former Kenosha mayor John Antaramian as recipients for the award.
The organization uses the awards as a way to honor groups and individuals for their environmental achievements that have had a positive impact on Lake Michigan. Peninsula Pride Farms is coming off a year where their conservation practices reduced phosphorus runoff by nearly 61,000 pounds. Peninsula Pride Farms President Duane Ducat says it is an honor to receive the recognition and a thrill to showcase how their practices are making a difference.
The group also reduced greenhouse gas emissions by almost 4,500 metric tons, equivalent to over 1,000 cars driven yearly. Peninsula Pride Farms will be formally recognized at the Lake Michigan Stakeholders' annual Lake Michigan Day celebration in Manitowoc on Friday afternoon.
