NCAP is excited to present the Rachel Carson Award to the following individuals for each of our program areas at the 2016 Healthy Harvest Celebration on September 30.

Healthy Food & Farms Program Awardees:
The Sommer Family of Purple Sage Farms, Organic Farmers in Idaho

Purple Sage Farms is a family owned and operated organic farm in Middleton, Idaho. The Sommer family grows fresh herbs, greens and specialty produce in greenhouses. They also raise grass-fed, hormone and antibiotic-free sheep, goats and cattle. Tim Sommer and Tamara Sloviaczek started the operation in 1988, as part of a plan to return to the farming life of their childhoods. Now run by father and son team Tim and Mike, they have a mission to introduce people to healthy, fresh and flavorful food. The Sommers bring awareness to organic and local agriculture in Idaho and have hosted many grower field days in collaboration with NCAP. 

Healthy People & Communities Awardee: 
Diane Hardee, Retired Teacher in Washington State 

Diane Hardee has been working on reducing pesticide use in schools and on school grounds since 1981. Her experience working to protect children first began when school district employees sprayed 2,4-D on the playground while young children were present at recess. For over 30 years and in 4 different schools she has negotiated with the district grounds department to minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides, organized an “Adopt a Schoolground” program with weeding and landscaping work parties, and pursued implementing permanent pesticide policies that wouldn’t disappear when staff changed. Most recently, Diane has visited legislators in Olympia to gather support for an Integrated Pest Management in schools law.

Healthy Wildlife & Water Awardee:
Dr. Amy Dreves, Research and Extension Entomologist

Amy Dreves exemplifies the true meaning of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). As an Assistant Professor & Senior Researcher at Oregon State University, Amy has contributed to applied research over the last six years on the new invasive pest spotted wing drosophila, with emphasis on its life cycle and habitat use. She works with other pests at issue to Oregon crops, including mealybugs, mites, and slugs. Her extension work focuses on designing, testing, and implementing IPM strategies, emphasizing biologically-based control, systems thinking, and transfer of technology. Amy has partnered with NCAP on a workshop and webinar for managing spotted wing drosophila.