Honoring dedicated community members making outstanding contributions to Alaska’s conservation movement
Alaska Conservation Foundation annually presents Conservation Achievement Awards to recognize the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations committed to protecting Alaska. These individuals are honored at a community event each fall.
Nominate Your Conservation Hero in 2023!
Awards will be made in the following categories:
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Celia Hunter Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions
- Olaus Murie Award for Outstanding Professional Contributions
- Denny Wilcher Award for Young Environmental Activists
- Lowell Thomas, Jr. Award for Outstanding Achievements by an Organization Doing Conservation Work
- Jerry S. Dixon Award for Excellence in Environmental Education
- Daniel Housberg Image Award for Excellence in Still Photography, Film, or Video
- Caleb Punagowiyi Award for Outstanding Achievements by an Alaska Native Organization or Individual
2022 Conservation Achievement Award Recipients
Alaska Conservation Foundation is pleased to announce and offer congratulations to the recipients of the 2022 Alaska Conservation Achievement Awards. These remarkable community members work tirelessly to ensure Alaska is thoughtfully protected, not just now, but for generations to come. We thank them for their commitment to Alaska
- Lifetime Achievement Award – John Schoen
- Celia Hunter Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions – Susan Grace
- Olaus Murie Award for Outstanding Professional Contributions – Vicki Clark
- Denny Wilcher Award for Young Environmental Activists – Iris Montesano
- Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award for Excellence in Film or Video – Elsa Sabastian and Colin Arisman
- Jerry S. Dixon Award for Excellence in Environmental Education – Joanna Young
- Caleb Pungowiyi Award for Outstanding Achievements by an Alaska Native Organization or Individual – Crystal Leonetti
- Lowell Thomas, Jr. Award for Outstanding Achievements by an Organization Doing Conservation Work – The Imago Initiative Team at The Wilderness Society
Award Categories
Lifetime Achievement Award
Celebrates the accomplishments of remarkable individuals who have made a difference by devoting significant parts of their lives to protecting and enhancing Alaska’s natural greatness. Recipients of this award are inducted into the Alaska Conservation Hall of Fame.
Denny Wilcher Award for Young Environmental Activists
Acknowledges Alaska high school seniors who have made significant contributions to their communities and who seek solutions to environmental problems and issues.
Celia Hunter Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions
Honors leaders in the grassroots, volunteer environmental movement in Alaska.
Lowell Thomas, Jr. Award for Outstanding Achievements by an Organization Doing Conservation Work
Recognizes an Alaska-based organization or program that demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to conservation.
Jerry S. Dixon Award for Excellence in Education
Rewards innovative educators who integrate stewardship of Alaska’s natural environment into their instructive efforts.
Olaus Murie Award for Outstanding Professional Contributions
Recognizes longstanding service to Alaska by individuals working in a non-profit organization or a public agency responsible for the environment.
Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award for Excellence in Still Photography, Film, or Video
Awards film, video, and still photography projects that advance the protection of Alaska’s wilderness environment.
Caleb Pungowiyi Award for Outstanding Achievements by Alaska Native Organization or Individual
Recognizes an Alaska Native organization, program or individual working to protect their environment and culture.
