Calls of the Wild: Conservation Season Open for Award Nominations, Wildlife Photo Submissions and Scholarship Applications
Calls of the wild for conservation season
Since 1945, 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. Our work is centered around conserving wildlife, restoring habitat, getting people outside, conservation policy, climate resiliency and celebrating conservation.
“Celebrating Conservation” season is open now, with statewide calls of the wild for conservation award nominations, wildlife photo submissions and college scholarship applications.
Conservation Award Nominations (July 5 deadline)
N.C. Wildlife Federation also seeks conservation heroes from across the state for its 58th annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards. The prestigious awards have honored individuals, associations, businesses, and governmental bodies that have exhibited an unwavering commitment to conserving North Carolina’s natural resources.
The online nomination deadline is July 5; award recipients will be honored at a banquet on Sept. 10. Categories include Conservationist, Wildlife Conservationist, Sportsman or Sportswoman, Land Conservationist, Water Conservationist, Forest Conservationist, Marine Resources, Environmental Educator, Young Conservationist, Legislator, Conservation Organization, Business Conservationist, and Natural Resources Agency or Scientist of the Year.
Honorees from 2021 included Rep. John Bell, house majority leader; Chandra Taylor, senior attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center; NC Rep. Hugh A. Blackwell; Black Folks Camp Too; Walter Foy Clark, former executive director, Clean Water Management Trust Fund; and Jonathan Marchal, director of education for The North Carolina Arboretum and a 2004 N.C. Wildlife Federation scholarship recipient.
Wildlife Photography Contest (July 31 deadline)
NCWF’s 4th Annual Wildlife Photography Contest for professional, amateur and youth photographers runs through July 31. Images must be taken in North Carolina and highlight the beauty of the state’s nature and wildlife, whether in a backyard or across the state. Categories are Carolina Critters, People in Nature, Scenes of North Carolina and Pollinators & Insects (new category).
Entry donations start at $15 for 12 photos (3 images max per category), with all proceeds supporting wildlife habitat conservation and restoration in North Carolina. Visit NCWF’s photo contest page for entry requirements and contest rules. Photographers must submit entries electronically by July 31. Email [email protected] for questions.
College Scholarship Applications (June 27 deadline)
Since the 1970s, N.C. Wildlife Federation has awarded scholarships to college students studying and working in the wildlife and conservation fields. Applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited North Carolina college or university with a major related to wildlife, fisheries, forestry, natural resources, conservation or environmental studies.
NCWF will provide up to seven grants, which may include one $2,500 Conservation Leadership grant for a student of outstanding merit. Socio-economic elements, extra-curricular involvement and academic performance all impact final decisions.
Students must submit scholarship applications and supporting documents online by June 27. Visit NCWF’s scholarship page to learn more or apply. For questions, email Sarah Hollis at [email protected].