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Kita Montejo

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Darrell Oswald

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BOTTINEAU – Dakota College at Bottineau has announced two recipients of the 2026 DCB Conservation Award. The recipients will be recognized at DCB’s Earth Day celebration, Friday, April 24, at noon on the DCB Campus in the Alumni Center, located on the second floor of Thatcher Hall.

The Young Conservationist Award will be presented to Kita Montejo, who was born in Rugby. Having lived in different areas, Montejo’s observations ignited a passion to take action for preserving nature, which brought her to DCB. After earning an Associate of Arts in science and an Associate of Arts in art, she is now working toward her Bachelor’s of environmental stewardship in Colorado, which she intends to use toward work in the environmental field to help protect wild and beautiful spaces with their flora and fauna.

The Conservationist Award will be presented to Darrell Oswald. After graduating from DCB, Oswald ventured into the Natural Resource and Soil Conservation District realm. Over the years, he has worked for Morton County SCD and Burleigh County SCD, holding various roles. In recent years, he has become the district manager and plays a key role in the creation and growth of Menoken Farms. He has helped lead Burleigh County SCD and Menoken Farms to national recognition for their advancements in soil health.

The 2026 Conservation Award is presented by DCB to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and has made notable contributions to the conservation, preservation, and enhancement of natural resources. This person will have contributed in an exceptional way that has had a significant impact on their communities.