This award gives recognition to an important kind of professional endeavor not covered by other honors of the Society. It had been evident for many years that important compilations and other education works did not fulfill criteria for the technical publications awards. Also, there was no way to cite outstanding films or other efforts in a field widely regarded as critical to the success of conservation programs.

This award is aimed primarily at the work of individuals. Institutions such as publishing houses and units of government being more properly qualified under the Group Achievement Award.

AWARD CRITERIA

Conservation education covers a wide diversity of activity. It encompasses particular works of great merit and also programs representing sustained effort that can achieve great significance over the years. Presumably, any kind of effort that influences public opinion in a constructive manner might be honored in this way. The award encompasses the broad field of renewable resources conservation and management, but wildlife is expected to be the focus of nominated works.

Through this award, The Wildlife Society recognizes three types of candidate material. The award is given in each one of the following categories on a three-year-rotating basis. The category for nominations for the 2023 Conservation Education Award will be given in the Media and Audio-Visual Works category.

Media and Audio-Visual Works

This Award is presented to a TWS member and a journalist who have collaborated on a media report (print, radio, television, or website) that epitomizes excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. The media report should have all or most of the following characteristics:

  • The wildlife conservation item is obviously stated
  • The science behind the issue is explained
  • The wildlife profession is recognized
  • The Wildlife Society is recognized

The award may also be given to an artist, photographer, lecturer, radio commentator, songwriter, film producer, computer programmer, or other creative worker whose accomplishments are outstanding in the dissemination of conservation knowledge to the public. The recipient can also be a group of people. Materials for consideration include, but are not limited to, paintings, photographs, television shows or appearances, movies, educational or music videos, songs, audio recordings, or computer-program technologies as appropriate recipients of this category. Typically audio-visual works should be a stand-alone product, such that it does not supplement a writing or program.

Nomination Procedures

To submit a nomination, please provide the following materials by May 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM EDT:

  • Cover letter of the nomination packet
  • No more than 3 support letters
  • Examples of content, activities, or efforts

Please submit large files via Drop Box or Google Drive to awards@wildlife.org.

ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES

The other categories recognized on a rotating year basis, but that are not eligible in this year, include:

Writing

Authors, editors, or publishers of books, a series of articles, or other written material which effectively conveys sound conservation concepts to the public may receive the Conservation Education Award. The written material could encompass text books, compilations, bulletins, or purely popular writings, as well as outstanding philosophical or interpretive contributions. Up to two awards may be given in this category: one for books and one for articles. Articles can include any brief publication (fewer than 20 pages), such as a newspaper or magazine article, booklet, or pamphlet.

Programs

The development of appropriate conservation education programs is an activity eligible for this honor. Nominees in the program category are typically, but not exclusively, supported by either public or private organizations promoting the broad framework of goals and objectives. Unlike the writings and audio-visual works categories, the program category recognizes those people involved in long-term, continuing efforts that support conservation education. Materials reflecting programs may be similar to those submitted to the writings and/or audio-visual categories.