Taylor, VonSeggern earn state conservation awards

Environmentally conscious Sidney employees recently gained state-wide recognition.

Two city officials were awarded with the Nebraska Outstanding Community Conservation Award at the Nebraska Association of Resources District's annual fall conference Sept. 23.

These prizes are awarded to those who take part in outstanding community conservation efforts and promote community conservation projects in Nebraska.

Both Bill Taylor, water superintendent and Tom VonSeggern, parks superintendent were nominated by the South Platte Natural Resources District which protects natural resources in the southern panhandle.

These men were nominated because they go above and beyond the requirements for their job positions with the city, according to their nomination.

"A lot of it is just everyday stuff that I do," Taylor said.

Taylor has been a member of the Sidney Groundwater Guardian since 2000.

"It's a great honor," Taylor said. "I really appreciate the gesture from the NARD."

He also implemented the first wellhead protection plan in the South Platte NRD in 2010. He assists other communities with water operations, encouraging those in the area to develop wellhead protection plans. Taylor has worked on many conservation projects, but has a definite favorite.

"The one I enjoy the most is the Children's Groundwater Festival," Taylor said.

At this festival, local elementary kids from Sidney, Chappell and Potter come together to learn about groundwater. The kids go around to different station and learn facts about groundwater such as where water comes from and how a sewer plant works.

"It's a lot of fun," Taylor said.

Taylor also works with the city of Sidney departments to notify residents of water concerns and to install best management practices. He also helped to paint all storm drains with the message "dumps to streams" educating school age kids about not polluting or dumping into water systems.

VonSeggern has been the chair of the Sidney Tree Board since 1999. This board has distributed around 100 trees per year for the past several years in Sidney during Arbor Day celebrations. In addition to this he helps to maintain Sidney as a Tree City USA, which recognizes excellence in urban forestry management. Sidney has been a member for the last 26 years. This is in addition to his duties managing 51 acres of irrigated land in the parks, cemeteries and ball fields in the city. He is also responsible for introducing new tree species to Sidney that will flourish in the local climate.

VonSeggern brings new trees to Sidney through his work managing the Sidney Arboretum in conjunction with the tree board.

"Couldn't think of two more deserving people to represent the city of Sidney and to be honored in this manner," said city manager Gary Person. "I want to think the South Platte NRD for nominating them."