ARLINGTON — Patrick and Kary Michaelis were recently honored by the Snohomish Conservation District for Dairy Farm of the Year.

The couple, which operates Giles Dairy in Arlington, took home top honors during the district’s open house on Feb. 11.

“The Conservation District likes to recognize those individuals who have significantly improved water quality and natural resource management on their farms and rural acreages,” said Bobbi Lindemulder, interim manager for the district. “These landowners have made outstanding progress in protecting and restoring natural resources, improving farm management and in their commitment to promoting District educational events.”

Other award recipients included Elizabeth Mitchell of Edmonds-Woodway, Gary and Darcy Baker of Lake Stevens and Laura and Makaila Boyce of Lake Stevens, who won Merit Farms awards.

Partnership Awards were handed out to the Whidbey Island Conservation District and Clare Flanagan of USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Washington State University livestock advisors and master gardeners of Snohomish County took home Volunteer Awards, while Ryan Ovenell of Stanwood High School won Teacher of the year.