Great Plains Nature Center’s Jim Mason honored for educational work
Citing the estimated 2,500 outdoors educational programs he’s given in the Wichita area, Great Plains Nature Center director Jim Mason, has been selected for the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Educator of the Year award. He is one of seven Kansans, or Kansas groups, to be recognized at the group’s annual convention this weekend in Hays.
Also recognized as part of the Conservation Awards Program:
Conservationist of the Year: Joe Kramer, of Pratt, was with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for 37 years, rising from a biologist aide to director of the Fish and Wildlife Division. He also served on many local, state and national conservation committees.
Conservation Organization: Harper County Youth Deer Hunt. Since 2000, volunteers for the youth deer hunt based in Anthony has been providing quality outdoors educational experiences for youth ages 12-16 that go beyond getting a chance to shoot a deer.
Farmer/Rancher Wildlife Conservationist: Stacy Hoeme, of Scott City, has been proving that wildlife conservation and successful agriculture can go hand-in-hand for decades. His family’s Gove County ranch is the site of some America’s most important lesser prairie chicken research and populations.
Forest Conservationist: Dave Royer, Atchison County, has been working hard to improve woodlands and stream banks along the Delaware River for many years, and frequently gives tours to other landowners hoping to share his conservation knowledge and success.
Outdoor Skills Instructor: Theresa Berger, of Sylvan Grove. For 15 years, Berger has been the coordinator for the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s Outdoor Adventure Camp. A teacher, Berger has also incorporated a strong conservation theme into her classrooms.
Conservation Communicator: Michael Pearce, Newton. Pearce has been The Eagle’s Outdoors writer and photographer for more than 14 years.
This story was originally published February 20, 2015 at 1:23 PM with the headline "Great Plains Nature Center’s Jim Mason honored for educational work."