DATE: November 10, 2008

CONTACT: Jack Whetstone, 843-546-6321
jwhtstn@clemson.edu

WRITER: Peter Hull, 843-554-7226, ext. 118
phull@clemson.edu

Clemson professor recognized for dedication to natural resources education

GEORGETOWN — Jack M. Whetstone, a Clemson University aquatic specialist, has received the Conservation Educator of the Year award from the Georgetown County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Whetstone, an associate professor at the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, was recognized for his dedicated leadership in natural resource education.

Debbie Mann, district conservationist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Resources Conservation Service Georgetown field office, said that anyone who has a pond or has any association with ponds knows Jack Whetstone.

Whetstone has worked for Clemson University in Georgetown for 29 years. During that time he has provided technical advice and shared his experience with thousands of people across the state, Mann said.

"It is always a pleasure to work with Jack and we would like to thank him for all that he has done for the conservation district and our partners," she said.

As an educator in Georgetown, Whetstone provides instruction for eight multi-county pond clinics, runs workshops for pesticide applicators to maintain their certification and conducts in-service training on pond management for county agents, among other initiatives.

Whetstone said his work is made possible by assistance from Georgetown's dedicated conservationists.

"It's indeed an honor to receive the award and I appreciate the longstanding cooperative programs between Clemson extension and the Georgetown County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Natural Resources Conservation District," Whetstone said.

Whetstone previously has received the Clemson Alumni Award for Cooperative Extension Distinguished Public Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Certificate of Appreciation and the USDA Outstanding Contributions Award.

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