The Black Swamp Conservancy, in partnership with Sandusky County Community Foundation (SCCF), is launching the Dr. Donald R. Knepper Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship is funded in perpetuity by an estate gift to the conservancy by Dr. Knepper, a veterinarian who had a passion for conservation.
He put this passion into action by permanently protecting his family’s farm in Gibsonburg so that it may continue to grow food, provide habitat for wildlife and serve as a cultural heritage site for the betterment of future generations.
The scholarship will help future generations continue the work he did for conservation.
Administered by the SCCF, the scholarship will be awarded to one graduating high school senior per year pursuing a degree related to the mission of the Black Swamp Conservancy.
Degrees considered for the scholarship include those in the environmental field, such as biology, environmental science/ policy, agriculture, etc. Students must be a graduating high school senior from the 12-county northwest Ohio service area of the conservancy and can apply toward an environmental degree from any university or college.
The scholarship will award $1,000 per year to an eligible graduating high school senior and will be renewable by eligible scholars for a maximum of four years.
To be eligible for renewal, the scholar must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and remain in a program related to the conservancy’s mission.
In addition to $1,000, scholars will receive four free tickets to the conservancy’s annual fund-raising event and are eligible for a spot on the organization’s paid seasonal field crew during summer breaks.
For more information, visit sanduskyccf.org or contact Andrea Gibson at 419334-6299 or director@san duskyccf.org.
Founded in 1993, the Black Swamp Conservancy is a land trust dedicated to protecting natural habitats and family farms, now and for future generations, through land conservation agreements.
The organization permanently protects more than 22,000 acres of woods, wetlands and family farms in northwest Ohio.
