The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance has named watershed coordinator Miranda Haes as the recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award. This award is given to individuals who continue to contribute to improving water quality across the state. Haes has been part of the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District office in Mount Pleasant for almost four years, and her current project is gaining momentum. The Lower Skunk River Water Quality project is aimed at reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment in streams in the 135,000 acres of watershed she overlooks. Haes has also helped local farmers see the benefits of cover crops, which saw seeding grow by 2,500 acres in 2019 in the watershed. Through this award, Haes will receive funding to apply to the Lower Skunk River Water Quality Project and her professional development.