The event featured a blend of guest speakers, local artist displays and dinner while fostering community spirit that focused on conservation and environmental stewardship.

The evening kicked off with the Rural Rendezvous Cowgirls ‘n Conservation program, featuring a review of accomplishments from the McKenzie County NRCS and SCD. Notable projects included selling 8,414 trees, implementing the No-Till Drill program and executing the Tree Enhancement program. Conservation and outreach events recognized Kindergarten Day on the Farm, Farm to Table Day and Soil Education.

“Cowgirls ‘n Conservation stands as a testament to the remarkable influence women have in shaping the future of our natural resources. For 12 years, this event has brought women together to take the lead in conservation efforts, proving that their voices are essential in agriculture and conservation,” said Watford City Field Office District Conservationist Nicole Darrington in a news release.

Featured speakers for the “Women in Our Neighborhood” included Renae Mogen and Cheyanne Thompson. Mogen, a flower and berry farmer with Bloomberry Farm in Watford City, shared her story of starting her own business. Thompson, a leather designer with “Hang it on the Line,” drew inspiration from journals of pioneers and settlers, incorporating her love of gardening, flowers and folk art into her work.

Submitted Photo Vawnita Best, far right, receives the Women in Conservation Award. Photo by Anne Polasky, Public Affairs, NRCS.

Kam Elliott, keynote speaker, spoke about her experiences with cancer detection and advocacy for agriculture. She shared her story of being diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, undergoing reconstruction surgery and then being diagnosed with melanoma.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Women in Conservation Award to

Vawnita Best, a horse and cattle rancher, wife, and mother of a teenage son.