Since 2008, Oklawaha Valley Audubon has presented a Conservationist Award at the annual December luncheon with our environmental friends. Two of those awards were an award for Conservationist of the Decade and the other for a Lifetime of Conservation, the remaining awards have been Conservationist of the Year.
The Conservationist of the Year award recognizes persons who contribute to conservation in Lake County. The recipients have ranged from citizen activists to a journalist and a County Commissioner.
Previous Conservationists of the Year
2022, December 11, Jane Hepting
2019, December 8, Trina Raether
2019, December 8, Greg Gensheimer
2018, December 2: Mike Barnett
2017, December 3: Lavon Silvernell
2016, December 10: Welton Cadwell (Lifetime of Conservation Award)
2014, December 13: Peggy Cox
2013, December 14: Joan Bryant
2012, December 8: Jim Thomas
2011, December 10: Mary Remer
2010, December 11: 1 of 2 awards: Linda Bystrak (Conservationist of the Year)
2010, December 11: 2 of 2 awards: Nadine Foley (Conservationist of the Decade)
2009, December 5: Keith Schue
2008, December 6: Robert Sargent
How it started
At the January 7, 2008 board meeting, Linda Bystrak proposed a Conservationist of the Year award for Oklawaha Valley Audubon, and it was approved by the Board. It was proposed to involve only a certificate and perhaps a year’s free membership. Since then it has been changed and the award recipient receives a lifetime membership in Oklawaha Valley Audubon.
The Oklawaha Valley Audubon board of directors reviews the nominations and the award for Conservationist of the Year is presented at the holiday luncheon December each year!
How To Nominate Someone
If you would like to nominate someone please provide a brief narrative (500 words or less) that provides the following information.
Name of Nominee:
Nominee’s affiliations:
How long the nominee has been active in conservation in Lake County:
Background, and Projects/Accomplishments of the Nominee:
Please submit your nominations via email to Sherry Chester (epperlychester@gmail.com) and Lavon Silvernell (lavonsilvernell@gmail.com) no later than Friday, November 24. They will review the nominations and make recommendations to the Oklawaha Valley Audubon Board of Directors at their scheduled Nov. 20 Board meeting. The award will be presented at our Holiday potluck luncheon on December 8, 1 pm at Trout Lake Nature Center. Besides a certificate of honor, the award also includes a Lifetime Membership to Oklawaha Valley Audubon.