REFUGIO — Bayside-Richardson Cooperative Gin, with headquarters in Bayside, was honored as the Outstanding Conservation Business for outstanding contribution to the Texas Soil and Water conservation program at the annual Conservation Banquet for Area III.

This year’s banquet was hosted by Copano Bay Soil and Water Conservation District on May 2 at the Refugio Community Center.

Area III consists of 49 counties in South Texas.

Categories in which awards were presented include Outstanding Conservation District; Resident Conservation Rancher; Resident Conservation Farmer; Business/Professional Individual; and Conservation Teacher, to name a few.

Awards were also presented to area youth winners of the poster and essay contests.

The purpose of the Conservation Awards Program is to recognize and honor Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and individual who have dedicated their time, efforts and talents to making wise use of renewable natural resources.

Sponsors of the Area Conservation Awards Program are the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the 216 SWCDs in Texas.