Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s (LWF) 59th Conservation Achievement Awards Program recognized five individuals, and two organizations selected for their significant achievements in natural resources conservation and education at a banquet, held in Baton Rouge on Friday, April 25. These awards, represented by unique wildlife statuettes, were jointly presented by Louisiana Wildlife Federation President Martin “Marty” Floyd (left), and National Wildlife Federation Board Member Arthur Johnson (right).
Floyd expressed his admiration for the honorees, stating, “ It’s heartening to learn how these dedicated people inspire others and conserve Louisiana’s natural resources for future generations.”
The 2024 conservation recipients include (Click the individual pictures to view a short video about each honoree):
Heidi Adams, PhD of Ruston was named 2024 Conservationist of the Year. Heidi’s work in 2024 focused on introducing more young women to the possibilities of working in forestry and wildlife management through her Women in the Woods project, Louisiana Tech’s STEMinist event, and working with high school students from around the state, while also teaching seven to eight undergraduate and graduate classes throughout the year.
Jason Adriance of New Orleans was named the 2024 Professional Conservationist of the Year. Jason is the Finfish Program Manager for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. His expertise and scientific analysis have been instrumental in decisions made for altering size and bag limits for Redfish and Speckled Trout to ensure the health of those fish species in Louisiana waters. His analysis has been used to lengthen the Red Snapper season in Louisiana, to protect Southern Flounder stocks, and regulate the commercial Menhaden fishery.
Charles Williamsof Greenwell Springs was recognized as the 2024 Volunteer Conservationist of the Year for his work with Louisiana Wildlife Federation and other conservation organizations. Charles has been instrumental in spearheading LWF’s Lights Out Louisiana campaign to help raise awareness about migratory birds colliding with buildings. He has been a leader on issues related to Catahoula Lake, reforestation, and migratory bird populations.
James “Jim” Foret of St. Martinville was named the 2024 Conservation Educator of the Year. Jim inspired students as a professor in the School of Geosciences at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and expanded educational and recreational activities for all ages as a superintendent of New Iberia Parks. His work with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development on the Wildflower Seed Bank Project provided wildflower plantings along the State’s interstate highways. Moving and conserving a 150-year-old oak to save it from destruction represents Jim’s deep commitment to conservation.
Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning (BPSTIL) in Bossier City was recognized as the 2024 Conservation Organization of the Year for its continued dedication to providing middle and high school students in Bossier Parish with technical education and service opportunities that span multiple disciplines. In 2024, the students of BPSTIL used their unique talents and interests to make a meaningful impact on the Red River National Wildlife Refuge.
Natchitoches Parish 4-H in Natchitoches was honored as the 2024 Conservation Youth Organization of the Year. 2024 was a big year for Natchitoches Parish 4-H as they kicked off their successful Natchitoches Parish 4-H Celebrates Conservation program. The program directly reached 500 students and indirectly nearly 2,500 students throughout the parish. The program taught environmental stewardship, helping to foster a generation that values conservation and responsible recreation.
Mark Shirley of Abbeville received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for his more than four decades of service to conservation causes and issues in Louisiana. After receiving a master’s degree in wildlife management from LSU in 1979, Mark spent a few years working at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge. Then in 1984 he began his 41-year career at Louisiana Sea Grant and as an LSU AgCenter marine extension agent. He just recently retired. Through his many years of service, Mark provided technical expertise to generations of stakeholders in the shrimp, crawfish, and alligator industries – while advancing conservation practices. He has long been a trusted voice for coastal restoration and science-based solutions to issues that affect Acadiana and South Louisiana. Mark’s signature program, Marsh Maneuvers, has been teaching high students the importance of Louisiana’s wetlands, fisheries, and resource management since 1989. To date the program has touched the lives of more than 3,000 students from across the state.
We would also like to thank our generous sponsors for their help in making the 59th Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet special. They are: Drax, Lamar, Allyn and Clifford Dukes, Delacroix Corporation, Friends of Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge, Mike and MC Stewart, Rapides Wildlife Association, Robert and Norma Stewart, and Zac and Julie Burson.