Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) has announced the recipients of its 60th Annual Conservation Achievement Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work in 2025 significantly advanced conservation, wildlife protection, and environmental stewardship across Louisiana.
Established in 1965, the Conservation Achievement Awards celebrate leaders who are protecting Louisiana’s land, water, wildlife, and outdoor heritage. The honorees include scientists, educators, policymakers, volunteers, businesses, and youth leaders who are helping safeguard the state’s natural resources for future generations.
“These awards highlight the people and organizations whose dedication makes conservation possible,” said Rebecca Triche, Executive Director of Louisiana Wildlife Federation. “We are thrilled to recognize eleven outstanding recipients whose work protects wildlife habitat, strengthens our communities, and preserves Louisiana’s outdoor traditions for generations to come.”
The award recipients will be honored at the 60th Annual Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet on April 11, 2026, in Baton Rouge.
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2025 Louisiana Conservation Achievement Award Winners
Conservationist of the Year
Louisiana Native Plant Society (Boyce, Louisiana)
Recognized for leadership in expanding access to native plants, advancing habitat restoration, and strengthening conservation education across Louisiana. Through workforce training, habitat certification programs, and advocacy, the organization is helping restore ecosystems that support wildlife and pollinators statewide.
Professional Conservationist of the Year
Bryan McClinton (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
As Undersecretary for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, McClinton led major efforts to strengthen conservation policy, modernize regulatory systems, improve wildlife management, and expand funding initiatives that support habitat conservation and outdoor recreation.
Volunteer Conservationist of the Year
Jennifer Richardson (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Founder of Keep Tiger Town Beautiful, Richardson has mobilized hundreds of volunteers to remove litter, address illegal dumping, and restore public spaces through organized cleanup efforts that protect environmental quality and prevent waste from entering Louisiana’s waterways.
Conservation Business of the Year
Life City (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Honored for helping businesses adopt environmentally responsible practices through sustainability assessments, technical assistance, and partnerships that reduce waste, conserve resources, and strengthen the local economy.
Conservation Educator of the Year
Dr. Erik Johnson (Lafayette, Louisiana)
Recognized for leadership in bird conservation, scientific research, and public education. Through bird banding programs, citizen science initiatives, and community outreach, Dr. Johnson has helped advance the protection of vulnerable bird species across Louisiana.
Conservation Elected Official of the Year
Representative Kim Landry Coates (Ponchatoula, Louisiana)
Honored for steadfast advocacy to protect Lake Maurepas and surrounding watersheds, mobilizing community engagement and advancing conservation efforts that safeguard water quality, wildlife habitat, and the long-term health of Louisiana’s natural resources.
Conservation Communicator of the Year
Joe Macaluso (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Recognized for decades of journalism highlighting Louisiana’s hunting, fishing, and conservation heritage. Through award-winning reporting and leadership in initiatives such as Hunters for the Hungry, Macaluso has helped elevate conservation awareness and responsible outdoor recreation across the state.
Conservation Organization of the Year
Audubon Aquarium Rescue (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Honored for marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation across Louisiana. The program provides statewide stranding response and strengthens conservation partnerships that protect dolphins, whales, manatees, and sea turtles in Louisiana’s coastal waters.
Conservation Youth of the Year
Eleanore Lowe (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Recognized for outstanding scientific initiative as a high school student researching microplastic pollution in salt and investigating how plastics enter ecosystems and the human food chain.
Conservation Youth Organization of the Year
St. Joseph’s Academy Coastal Roots Program (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Honored for sustaining the LSU Coastal Roots Program at St. Joseph’s Academy, engaging thousands of students in growing native plants and participating in hands-on coastal restoration projects that strengthen Louisiana’s wetlands and cultivate future conservation leaders.
Lifetime Achievement Award
William “Joe” McPherson (Woodworth, Louisiana)
Recognized for a lifetime of advancing conservation, wildlife habitat protection, and public access to outdoor recreation. Through decades of legislative leadership and public service, McPherson helped strengthen Louisiana’s natural resource management and protect critical lands and waters.