COLUMBUS, Ind. — Allana Whiteside earned a reputation during her 10 years in 4-H for hard work and high standards among her peers in Bartholomew County.
But now, her reputation for excellence has extended to a national level with an award from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The 19-year-old Purdue freshman was named the National NRCS Earth Team Individual Volunteer this month. The award recognizes an outstanding individual who exemplifies dedication of services as a volunteer.
The announcement that she won the national honor was made public during a teleconference that included U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Allana Whiteside was recognized for creating her own unique pollinator habitat, which are typically composed of a variety of wildflowers, native grasses and legumes. But unlike pollinator gardens, a habitat also provides pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies and moths protection against inclement weather and natural predators, she said.
For more on this story, see Monday’s Republic.
