WHEREAS, Mary Lou Trimble, a talented educator and public servant who led conservation efforts as director of the John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District, retired in 2017 after a long and distinguished career; and
WHEREAS, born in Waynesboro, Mary Lou Trimble developed an early love for the rural landscape while growing up on a beef and grain farm in Augusta County; she later earned an associate degree from Peace College in North Carolina and a bachelor's degree in education from Madison College; and
WHEREAS, Mary Lou Trimble enjoyed a successful career as a teacher at schools in Fauquier County; prior to her retirement in 1991, she received the John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District's 1988 Conservation Teacher of the Year Award and the Fauquier County Excellence in Education Committee's 1989 Outstanding Teacher Award; and
WHEREAS, both during and after her teaching career, Mary Lou Trimble was steadfast in her commitment to educating young people about the importance of conservation and natural resources; among other achievements, she worked with the Piedmont Environmental Council to create the Fauquier County Natural History Camp for children; and
WHEREAS, in 1989, Mary Lou Trimble began serving as associate director of the John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District, where she spearheaded education initiatives and organized field days; in 2002, she took over as the District's first-ever female director; and
WHEREAS, under Mary Lou Trimble's able leadership, the John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District achieved great success in its mission to assist and educate landowners in managing their natural resources; it issued over $4 million to local farmers, created over 1,350 acres of riparian buffer, and protected more than 793,000 linear feet of stream bank; and
WHEREAS, Mary Lou Trimble brought her wide-ranging talents to the John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District's education, personnel, finance, and publicity committees; between 2004 and 2012, she served as chairperson for the John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her conservation work, Mary Lou Trimble has been president of both the Fauquier Retired Teachers Association and the Virginia Retired Teachers Association; she enjoys fellowship and worship at Warrenton Presbyterian Church, where she has served as a deacon, elder, and past president of the women's group; and
WHEREAS, throughout her illustrious career, Mary Lou Trimble has maintained the highest standards of excellence and personal integrity; her commitment to education and protecting natural resources has benefited citizens in Fauquier County and across the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Mary Lou Trimble for her many years of excellent public service on the occasion of her retirement from the John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Mary Lou Trimble as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her many accomplishments and best wishes for a well-deserved retirement.