Tom Dilyard honored with Conservation Education Award by Wayne Soil and Water District

The Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District held its annual meeting breakfast and election Nov. 6 at Sonnenberg Village in Kidron. Among the morning’s many highlights was the presentation of the Conservation Education Award to Tom Dilyard, recognizing his dedication to environmental outreach and community recycling efforts.

The award was presented by Kelly Riley, education specialist with Wayne SWCD, who described Dilyard as a special person who truly exemplifies environmental outreach.

“While many people think this award goes to teachers,” Riley said, “we believe it’s just as important for community members to promote and instill conservation values. Tom does that every day — often behind the scenes but always with heart and purpose.”

A lifelong Wayne County resident and graduate of Waynedale High School, Dilyard lives in the area with his wife Donna. Together they raised three sons: Jake, Zane and Josh. Though now retired from his position as head cook at the Wayne County Care Center, Dilyard’s commitment to sustainability has only grown stronger.

Most county fairgoers know Dilyard for his familiar orange Kubota and his tireless work with the Wayne County Fair recycling team, where he’s become a leader and motivator for others. Whether hauling cardboard, picking recyclables out of trash cans or educating vendors, Dilyard’s enthusiasm for recycling has transformed the fair’s sustainability efforts.

The Wayne County Fair’s recycling program began in 2009, collecting a modest amount of material. Under the continued dedication of volunteers like Dilyard, the program has since expanded to more than 80 recycling receptacles and a food-waste composting effort launched in 2013. To date, the fair’s recycling team has diverted over 247,000 pounds of recyclable materials from landfills.

When China’s 2018 National SWORD policy forced major changes in U.S. recycling practices, Dilyard stepped up to help the fair meet the new requirements, sorting materials by hand to prevent contamination and ensure compliance. His leadership helped keep the program viable following that policy.

Beyond the fairgrounds, Dilyard has extended his recycling initiatives to the Wayne County Care Center, the Wooster Rib Fest and other community events. His hands-on approach and creative problem-solving have inspired others to take part in conservation work.

“Tom never stops thinking about ways to make things better,” Riley said. “Whether it’s setting out food-waste collection boxes for the ag-horticulture building or teaching others what can and cannot be recycled, his ideas turn into real environmental impact. Because of him, thousands of children, adults and vendors have had the chance to recycle and learn about sustainability right here in Wayne County.”

In presenting the award, Riley said, “There are many individuals and organizations that support our recycling program, but today we honor one person who truly deserves our gratitude and applause — Tom Dilyard.”

To learn more about past conservation education award winners, visit www.wayneswcd.org/home/education/educator-of-the-year.