RALEIGH — A global pandemic and cancellation of all in-person events was no match for the creativity and adaptability of the Concord Wildlife Alliance. The Community Wildlife Chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation earned top honors Sept. 11 at the 57th annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards.
NCWF’s “Chapter of the Year” was among the 18 agency professionals, volunteers and organizations honored at a banquet in Cary for its dedication to North Carolina’s wildlife, habitat and natural resources.
NCWF Board Chair John Hairr and NC Wildlife Resources Commission Executive Director Cameron Ingram presented chapter members with a specially made mountain goat statuette after a video message from Gov. Roy Cooper. The governor said “investing in clean water, expanding clean energy and protecting waterways and greenways” will allow North Carolina to thrive and thanked honorees for their commitment to the state’s environment.
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T. Edward Nickens, banquet emcee and NCWF awards committee chairman, noted it had been a difficult 18 months for conservation organizations built on community action and advocacy. “The Concord Wildlife Alliance inspired us with their creativity in pushing conservation forward when the Earth itself seemed to stop spinning,” he said. “They collaborated and socially distanced and cared for the well-being of their fellow man while flat out getting it done for wildlife.”
In 2020, the chapter partnered with city and county officials and local organizations to certify 63 Community Wildlife Habitats and seven schoolyard habitats. Additionally, they collected 400 pounds of trash, hosted an Adopt-A-Stream cleanup, restored habitat affected by an emerald ash borer infestation, and planted native trees and shrubs.
When President Sarina Dellinger and Past President Glenda Steel accepted the award, they gave special thanks to city of Concord Mayor Bill Dusch, who also attended the event. “We would not be here without our partners who are here with us tonight,” Steel said. “The city of Concord has been a strong supporter from Day 1, as have our county and city parks and recreation departments, local corporations and the Concord Youth Council.”
First presented in 1958, the Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards are the highest natural resource honors given in the state. The annual program brings together diverse groups of conservationists to highlight wildlife conservation achievements to inspire others to take a more active role in protecting North Carolina’s natural resources for future generations.
About the NC Wildlife Federation
Since 1945, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation has worked for all wildlife and habitat, bringing together citizens, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and anglers, government and industry to protect the state’s natural resources. NCWF’s work is centered around conserving wildlife, restoring habitat, getting people outside, celebrating conservation, conservation policy and climate resiliency. Learn more at https://ncwf.org/.
About the Concord Wildlife Alliance
The Concord Wildlife Alliance, a Community Wildlife Chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, is a volunteer-led group centered on environmental education, appreciation of wildlife and natural history, and conservation of wildlife habitat and natural resources. Chapter members work with residents, organizations and leaders to create and sustainably manage healthy habitats that support bountiful and diverse wildlife as a vital natural resource for future generations. Learn more at https://www.concordwildlifealliance.com/.