(KLZA)-- The Southeast Nebraska Memorial Cancer Garden (the Garden) was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Community Conservation Award at this year's Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) annual conference. This prestigious award recognizes communities leading the state in natural resource conservation efforts.

“The Garden showcases the incredible work a community can accomplish when they come together for a common cause,” said Ashley Rippe, Information & Education Coordinator of the Nemaha NRD. “The promotion of conservation is on full display through native and ornamental plants, pollinator habitats, educational components, and wildlife habitats.”

Located in Humboldt, Nebraska, the Garden has been a cherished landmark in southeast Nebraska, bringing hope and fostering a sense of community through its thoughtfully designed landscaping. Each year, dedicated volunteers spend countless hours landscaping and maintaining the Garden and its features. Every aspect of the Memorial Garden is meticulously planned, with each feature carrying significant meaning and purpose. For those whose lives have been touched by cancer, the connection to nature within the Garden offers a deeper, more spiritual meaning. Immersing oneself in the Garden allows visitors to find solace, healing, and a sense of community.

Throughout the Garden, personalized bricks are carefully placed, each engraved with the name of an individual affected by cancer. These bricks serve as enduring tributes, honoring loved ones, survivors, and those who have passed. Each brick tells a story of courage, remembrance, and love, contributing to the overall sense of community and connection within the Garden. In addition to being personal memorials, these tribute bricks are a testament to the Garden's mission of healing, hope, and remembrance.

Each year, the NARD recognizes outstanding conservation efforts across the state. Award categories include community, grassland, soil, and water conservation, as well as recognition for educator, tree planter, and director of the year.

Pictured with this story are: Front row, from left, Nemaha NRD Administrative Bookkeeper Brooke Gerdes, Southeast Nebraska Cancer Memorial Garden representative Lois Luthy, Nemaha NRD Assistant Manager Jane Kuhl. Back row, from left, NARD President Martin Graff, Nemaha NRD Directors Dan Hodges, Duane Sugden and Dr. Orval Gigstad, and Nemaha NRD General Manager Kyle Hauschild.