Restoration of a former quarry north of Marion garnered an annual state award.

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. was given the 2018 Governor’s Mined Land Reclamation Award last month at the Kansas Aggregate Producers Association meeting in Olathe.

The award is given to companies that excel in mined land reclamation and convey a positive image of mining in Kansas.

The reclaimed area of the North Marion Quarry covers 640 acres in Marion County. The quarry was formerly a surface mine for local construction projects.

The mine site was converted to wildlife habitat. Several small ponds and wetlands were constructed to provide water for wildlife. The area was sloped, graded, and top soiled, then native grasses and wildflowers were seeded.

The landowner gives wildflower tours and leases the property for guided hunts.