In the days before satellites, GPS units, and Google, marsh lighthouses provided critical aid to navigating large sounds and rivers like the Pamlico, Croatan, Roanoke, Albemarle, and Currituck, but they were less well known and generally appreciated only by those that were close to and relied upon them. The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse has a checkered history. It was built and abandoned. Then built again and lost to neglect. Then built again and eventually lost to the sea before finally being rebuilt permanently. This lighthouse is representative of the Dare Soil & Water Conservation District and soil and water conservation in general. It’s not fully appreciated except by those that know and understand the costs and benefits. Among the people to serve the Dare Soil & Water Conservation District and in Dare County are many unsung heroes. This is who the Salt Marsh Award is for.