Pictured: Carl Becker | Photo courtesy of Peggy Becker

Carl N. Becker Stewardship Award

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The NAA recognizes individuals or groups who have demonstrated excellence in natural area stewardship. The Carl N. Becker Stewardship Award is given in recognition of excellence and achievement in managing the natural resources of reserves, parks, wilderness, and other protected areas.

This award is given in honor of Carl N. Becker, former NAA president and conservation leader with the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Illinois Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. Carl brought leadership skills to all phases of his conservation career – he was an excellent field biologist, bureaucrat, and political thinker. He knew how to inspire his staff to work together to do more than they could possibly do on their own and encouraged new ideas to approach unresolved issues.

The award:

• Recognizes individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution to resolve an issue related to management of natural areas, advancing the mission of the NAA. 
• Recognizes individuals or groups who have developed creative or innovative strategies which have directly improved the ecological diversity and function of natural areas. 
• Recognizes individuals or groups who have made a major advance in the protection of natural areas and wildlands.