North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) has announced the recipients of its prestigious 61st Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards. These awards recognize individuals, organizations, and agencies that have made significant contributions to the conservation and protection of North Carolina’s wildlife, natural habitats, and natural resources.
The winners of the 2026 awards represent a broad array of dedicated conservationists, including agency professionals, elected officials, volunteers, and organizations. NCWF will honor the recipients at a special banquet on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Cary, NC.
In addition, NCWF is honoring a lifetime achievement by inducting Katherine Skinner, The Nature Conservancy North Carolina State Director, into the Conservation Hall of Fame, celebrating decades of dedicated service and lasting impact on North Carolina’s wildlife and natural resources.
“Each year we are amazed at the commitment and creativity of North Carolina citizens in protecting wildlife and wild places,” stated T. Edward Nickens, NCWF Awards Committee Chair. “Many of our award winners tell us their Governor Conservation Achievement Award represents the high point of their career, whether they are full-time scientists or full-time volunteer conservationists.”
The Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards spotlight inspiring efforts across the state with the goal of encouraging greater public participation in protecting North Carolina’s natural resources for the well-being of future generations.
2026 Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award Recipients:
Conservation Hall of Fame – Katherine Skinner (Durham)
Conservationist of the Year – Senator Bill Rabon (Winnabow)
Wildlife Conservationist of the Year – Curtis Smalling (Garner)
Sporting Family of the Year – Robert Holland “Sandy” Brady (Reidsville)
Land Conservationist of the Year – The Futral Family (Richlands)
Forest Conservationist of the Year – Julie H. Moore (Raleigh)
Marine Resource Conservationist of the Year – Joan Maxwell (Edenton)
Young Conservationist of the Year – Celia Kaul (Charlotte)
Environmental Educator of the Year – Abby Weinshenker (Concord)
Conservation Organization of the Year – N.C. Coastal Land Trust
Natural Resources Agency of the Year – North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Business Conservationist of the Year – Raven Invasive Plant Management (Asheville)
Natural Resources Scientist of the Year – Dr. Arthur E Bogan (Raleigh)
Wildlife Volunteer of the Year – Dennis Ward (Hickory)
Public Lands Conservationist of the Year – Blue Ridge Guide Association
NCWF Chapter of the Year – Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists
Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year – Officer William “Thomas” Weaver (Lawndale)
Marine Patrol Officer of the Year – Officer Jonathan Price (Jamesville)
