Austin’s Park and Recreation Department received an award for Outstanding Conservationist for Mower County Monday night.

Justin Hanson, resource specialist, presented the award on behalf of the Soil and Water Conservation District. He said the Park and Recreation Department has done “an outstanding job” of taking advantage of conservation opportunities.

“It became evident we needed to recognize the board and the staff,” Hanson said at Monday night’s City Council meeting.

The award included accolades for the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Hanson said the center serves as an important educational tool in the community.

“We’re so appreciative of having a Nature Center like we have,” Nature Center Director Larry Dolphin said at the meeting.