NYM teacher to be honored at state convention in December

Photo by Chad Koenen
New York Mills fifth grade teacher Doug Salo was recently named as the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District teacher of the year. Salo has guided his students through a number of conservation projects through the years like having students construct wood duck and blue bird houses.

Doug Salo, fifth grade science teacher at New York Mills Elementary School, has been selected for the 2022 Teacher Award by the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD). 

Each year the MASWCD selects an outstanding teacher who actively engages students in the betterment of natural resources in partnership with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Salo was nominated by the East Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Salo will be honored at the MASWCD state convention in December.

The East Otter Tail SWCD chose to nominate Salo for his many years of dedication to local conservation issues and cooperation with the SWCD. 

Salo’s science classes learn about the water cycle, erosion, and other earth science topics. He’s worked closely with the SWCD for many years, with SWCD technicians visiting the classroom to teach about ground water concerns in our area, the state, and on a broader scale, demonstrate groundwater models, and nitrate testing. 

Salo’s classes also take part in Conservation Days each year where they learn about topics presented by the SWCD, County Extension, NRCS, the DNR, the County Land; Resources Office, and other partners in conservation. Recently Salo and his students worked with the SWCD to plan and install a native pollinator planting on the school grounds.

East Otter Tail SWCD wants to thank Salo for his years of working with the East Otter Tail SWCD and his dedication to teaching conservation topics. We look forward to continuing to work with him for years to come.