JAY N. “DING” DARLING MEMORIAL AWARD FOR WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP THROUGH ART

The Jay N. “Ding” Darling Memorial Award for Wildlife Stewardship Through Art was created in 2015 by The Wildlife Society and Sam Koltinsky, nationally recognized Darling expert continuing to champion the family interests of Darling’s grandson, Christopher “Kip” Koss, and his wife, Andrea.  This award is intended to be a lasting recognition of the heritage established by Jay N. “Ding” Darling to promote wildlife and habitat conservation through art.  His legacy of artwork and associated conservation messages were instrumental in achieving significant wildlife conservation measures.  Among them were the creation of the Federal Duck Stamp Program, National Wildlife Federation, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program, the groundwork for today’s system of National Wildlife Refuges, and many broadly recognized cartoons advocating land and water conservation.

“Ding” Darling was a prominent figure in the conservation movement, and in 1938 TWS gave him honorary membership in recognition of his significant contribution to wildlife stewardship.  He also was the first recipient of the Aldo Leopold Memorial Award in 1950 — TWS’ highest honor for distinguished service to wildlife conservation.

Conservation pioneer J.N. “Ding” Darling.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Darling’s grandson Christopher “Kip” Koss

AWARD NOMINATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

To nominate an individual for consideration, click here to learn about the criteria and the nomination process. Nomination forms must be submitted by May 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM EDT.

JAY N. “DING” DARLING MEMORIAL AWARD FOR WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP THROUGH ART RECIPIENTS