Wyatt Tracy Awarded 2026 Yuma County Conservation District Camp Rocky Scholarship

The Yuma County Conservation District (YCCD) is pleased to announce that Wyatt Tracy has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Camp Rocky Scholarship, awarded to the champion of the Natural Resources Division at the Yuma County Fair.

As this year's scholarship recipient, Wyatt will receive a full scholarship to attend Camp Rocky in the summer of 2027. The scholarship recognizes outstanding interest and achievement in natural resources and encourages young people to continue exploring careers and educational opportunities in conservation and environmental stewardship.

Camp Rocky is Colorado's premier natural resources leadership camp for youth ages 14–17. Held annually near Divide, Colorado, the week-long camp provides participants with hands-on experiences in natural resource management while working alongside natural resource professionals from across the state.

During camp, students select one of four resource areas for in-depth study:

·         Fish & Wildlife Management

·         Forestry Management

·         Rangeland Management

·         Soil & Water Conservation

Throughout the week, campers develop practical field skills, learn about natural resource careers, and work as a team to complete a natural resource management project based on real-world scenarios.

"The Camp Rocky scholarship is one of our favorite youth education programs because it recognizes students who have already demonstrated an interest in conserving our natural resources," said Tanya Fell, District Manager for the Yuma County Conservation District. "We congratulate Wyatt on this achievement and are excited for the opportunities he will experience at Camp Rocky next summer."

The Yuma County Conservation District has long supported youth conservation education by sponsoring Camp Rocky scholarships and encouraging local students to become future leaders in agriculture, conservation, and natural resource management.

Congratulations to Wyatt Tracy on being named the 2026 Yuma County Conservation District Camp Rocky Scholarship recipient. YCCD wishes him the very best as he prepares to attend Camp Rocky in 2027.

For more information about Camp Rocky scholarships or other youth education opportunities offered by the Yuma County Conservation District, contact Tanya Fell at 970-332-3107 ext. 9002 or visit www.ycconservation.com

Yuma County Conservation District Announces 2026 Raymond Peters Memorial Conservation Scholarship Recipient

The Yuma County Conservation District (YCCD) is pleased to announce Carson Helling, a graduate of Idalia High School, as the recipient of the 2026 Raymond Peters Memorial Conservation Scholarship.

Carson is the son of Kevin and Janessa Helling of Idalia. He plans to attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where he will pursue a degree in Engineering Technology Management with a Precision Agriculture focus.

The Raymond Peters Memorial Conservation Scholarship was established by the Yuma County Conservation District to honor the legacy of Raymond Peters, a longtime YCCD Board Supervisor whose dedication to conservation and agriculture left a lasting impact on Yuma County and beyond. The scholarship supports students pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture, conservation, natural resources, and related fields.

YCCD congratulates Carson on this achievement and wishes him continued success as he begins his college career.

The Yuma County Conservation District will continue offering the Raymond Peters Memorial Conservation Scholarship in 2027, with applications opening later this year. Details will be posted on the District’s website and shared with local schools.

Students who reside within the Yuma County Conservation District—or whose parents own property within the District—and who plan to pursue studies related to agriculture, conservation, or natural resources are encouraged to apply.

For additional information about the scholarship or future application cycles, please visit www.ycconservation.com/scholarships or contact the Yuma County Conservation District office at 970-332-3107 ext. 9002.

Chester & Marcia Zwirn Conservation Scholarship 2026 Award Winners Announced

The Yuma County Conservation District, in partnership with Chester and Marcia Zwirn, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Chester & Marcia Zwirn Conservation Scholarship.

The 2026 scholarship recipients are:

• Daden Beauprez, Yuma High School

• Haydan Drullinger, Liberty High School

• Bryson Lewis, Lewis Academy

Daden Beauprez, son of Alex and Kari Beauprez of Yuma, plans to attend Western Welding Academy in Gillette, Wyoming.

Haydan Drullinger, son of Cory and Rachael Drullinger of Kirk, plans to attend South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, where he will pursue a degree in Agriculture Systems Technology. 

Bryson Lewis, son of Will and Brittney Lewis of Eckley, plans to attend Fort Hays Tech Northwest in Goodland, Kansas, where he will pursue a degree in Construction Technology.

The Chester & Marcia Zwirn Conservation Scholarship was established to assist Yuma County students pursuing post-secondary education in fields related to conservation, natural resources, wildlife, and agriculture. The scholarship reflects a shared commitment by the Zwirn family and the Yuma County Conservation District to support future conservation leaders and promote stewardship of natural resources.

The 2027 Chester & Marcia Zwirn Conservation Scholarship application period will open in early 2027. Eligible students residing in Yuma County, or whose parents own property in Yuma County, are encouraged to apply. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per student, paid in semester installments, for students pursuing conservation-related degrees.

Additional details, application materials, and deadlines for the 2027 scholarship will be announced later this year and posted on the Yuma County Conservation District website at www.ycconservation.com/scholarships.

The Yuma County Conservation District congratulates the 2026 scholarship recipients and wishes them continued success in their academic and conservation pursuits.