N.C. Wildlife Federation Announces 60th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award Recipients
North Carolina Wildlife Federation has announced the winners of its 60th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards. Honorees for 2025 include agency professionals, elected officials, volunteers and organizations committed to North Carolina’s wildlife, habitat, and natural resources.
NCWF will honor the award recipients, including the wildlife enforcement and marine patrol officers of the year, at a banquet on Saturday, May 3 at Embassy Suites in Cary, NC. (RSVP and purchase tickets for the 60th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards.)
“The stunning variety of North Carolina’s wildlife and wild places is only matched by the commitment to conservation evident in our award winners,” said T. Edward Nickens, NCWF awards committee chair. “We are always amazed at the people we discover who have gone above and beyond to work for conservation. This year’s slate of honorees is yet another example of the deep love North Carolinians have for the natural world, and their steadfast hard work on behalf of the birds, fish, wildlife, parks, forests, beaches and waterways that enrich our lives.”
These annual awards provide a platform to highlight inspiring wildlife conservation efforts across North Carolina, with the goal of encouraging active participation in safeguarding the state’s natural resources for the well-being of future generations.
2025 Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award Recipients
Conservationist of the Year – Cameron Ingram (Climax)
Wildlife Conservationist of the Year – Anton Michael “Mike” Wicker (Pinehurst)
Sporting Family of the Year – Matt, John, and Sarah Barringer (Gold Hill)
Land Conservationist of the Year – Amy and Ruth Ann Grissom (Charlotte)
Water Conservationist of the Year – Coastal Carolina Riverwatch (Morehead City)
Forest Conservationist of the Year – Robert Thomas (Thonotosassa, FL)
Marine Resource Conservationist of the Year – Benjamin McNinch “Mac” Currin (Washington)
Young Conservationist of the Year – Deja Perkins (Raleigh)
Environmental Educator of the Year – Dr. Clyde Sorenson (Raleigh)
Conservation Organization of the Year – Triangle Land Conservancy (Durham)
Legislator of the Year – Representative Steve Ross (Alamance)
Business Conservationist of the Year – Carolina Native Nursery (Burnsville)
Natural Resources Scientist of the Year – Bryn Tracy (Apex)
Wildlife Volunteer of the Year – Dr. Jin Bai (Durham)
Public Lands Conservationist of the Year – Marquette Crockett (Asheville)
NCWF Chapter of the Year – NCWF Wildlife Habitat Stewards of Northeastern NC Chapter (Elizabeth City)
NCWF Affiliate of the Year – Gardening for Wildlife Committee, Cape Fear Garden Club (Wilmington)
Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year – Master Officer Eric Crouse (Ronda)
Marine Patrol Officer of the Year – Officer Candace Rose (Seven Springs)
About the Recipients
Conservationist of the Year
Cameron Ingram (Climax)
Cameron Ingram’s career, spanning over 33 years with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, culminated in his retirement as executive director, where he made significant strides in wildlife conservation and management. Ingram led key initiatives, including acquiring 30,000 acres of conserved land, developing a law enforcement training facility, and launching innovative programs for aquatic species protection. His leadership was instrumental in enhancing legislative relationships, securing funding for new wildlife officers, and advancing efforts to remove dams that impede fish and wildlife connectivity. Additionally, he oversaw the implementation of the WRC Chronic Wasting Disease Management Plan, working towards the long-term resilience for wildlife in the state.
Wildlife Conservationist of the Year
Anton Michael “Mike” Wicker (Pinehurst)
Mike Wicker retires after a distinguished 40+ year career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he served as the North Carolina Coastal Program Coordinator, focusing on wetland and fish passage restoration efforts across the state. His work includes successful dam removals on the Neuse and Little rivers, the restoration of Atlantic White Cedar and wetlands in the Coastal Plain, and his advocacy for the restoration of diadromous fish species, particularly American Shad. Wicker’s legacy also includes the introduction of side-hinged flapgates at Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, his leadership in efforts to remove invasive species, and his dedication to habitat restoration for both aquatic and waterfowl species. Over his career, Mike worked tirelessly with local partners and organizations, fostering collaboration to advance conservation goals that benefit North Carolina’s diverse ecosystems.
Sporting Family of the Year
Matt, John, and Sarah Barringer (Gold Hill)
Matt, John, and Sarah Barringer have dedicated their lives to the success of the Brent Barringer Memorial Hunt, an event they founded in honor of Brent Barringer, who faced physical and mental challenges due to a brain tumor. Since its inception in 2006, the hunt has grown from a small group honoring a family member to a major event that hosts over 70 hunters with disabilities each year, supported by hundreds of volunteers and more than 120 sponsors. The Barringers’ leadership has been instrumental in managing logistics, securing funding, and organizing volunteers who provide food, lodging, and transportation for participants. In addition to the hunt, the Barringers have facilitated numerous donations, including track chairs and accessible vehicles, ensuring that the spirit of community and support for people with disabilities extends well beyond the hunting weekends. Their unwavering commitment to promoting good sportsmanship and providing opportunities for others to enjoy the outdoors has made the event a heartwarming success that continues to inspire all involved.
Land Conservationist of the Year
Amy and Ruth Ann Grissom (Charlotte)
Amy and Ruth Ann Grissom, known as the “Grissom Sisters,” have spent over 30 years conserving and stewarding nearly 3000 acres of land in North Carolina, strategically acquiring properties adjacent to Uwharrie National Forest and the Uwharrie River watershed. Their management efforts have significantly enhanced critical habitats for Species of Greatest Conservation Need, including converting cropland to native early succession vegetation, reforesting loblolly pine plantations with longleaf and shortleaf pine, and establishing riparian buffers to protect water quality. They have also worked to restore and maintain mixed hardwood forests and have permanently protected 124 acres of riparian buffer to enhance water quality in tributaries of the Uwharrie River. In addition to land management, the Grissom Sisters have supported various research projects, including a bird banding initiative that has documented over 65 species and 5000 bird captures, contributing valuable data on avian migration and habitat use. Their dedication to both conservation and scientific research continues to foster biodiversity and enrich the ecological health of the Piedmont region.
Water Conservationist of the Year
Coastal Carolina Riverwatch (Morehead City)
Coastal Carolina Riverwatch (CCRW) has been a pioneering force in protecting and improving the water quality of coastal North Carolina through science-based advocacy and community-driven initiatives. Under its leadership, CCRW has launched several groundbreaking programs, including the Water Quality for Fisheries Program, which connects commercial fishers with water quality research, and the North River Community Resiliency Project, which addresses stormwater management and wastewater pollution. Additionally, CCRW has worked tirelessly to combat agricultural runoff, plastic pollution, and wastewater treatment issues, securing funding and fostering partnerships to improve watershed protection and public education on water conservation. Through its efforts, CCRW continues to lead the charge for cleaner waterways and healthier coastal ecosystems, significantly contributing to the long-term resilience of North Carolina’s coastal communities.
Forest Conservationist of the Year
Robert Thomas (Thonotosassa, FL)
For over 25 years, Robert M. Thomas has worked tirelessly with the Conservation Fund, NC Forest Service, Mainspring Conservation Trust, and other partners to conserve 5,385 acres of forestland in the Great Balsam Mountains of Jackson and Haywood Counties, culminating in a major achievement in 2024. The conserved land, considered a high conservation priority, borders the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Mountains to Sea Trail for nearly four miles, protecting critical wildlife habitat and multiple native trout streams. Through his persistence and commitment to conservation, Robert Thomas successfully navigated numerous challenges, including market fluctuations and external development pressures, to ensure the lasting protection of this vital landscape for future generations.
Marine Resource Conservationist of the Year
Benjamin McNinch “Mac” Currin (Washington)
Mac Currin, a dedicated North Carolinian, has spent a lifetime studying, understanding, and managing the fishery resources of North Carolina and the South Atlantic. With a long career spanning decades, including 16 years at NCSU, and serving as a biologist for the state’s Outer Continental Shelf Office, Mac has become an influential voice in fishery science and conservation. He served three terms as a Commissioner on the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission and as a representative on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, where he consistently advocated for science-based, conservative fishery management practices. Even in retirement, Mac remains actively engaged in conservation efforts, including his ongoing involvement in the NC Coastal Conservation Association and the NC Wildlife Federation, as well as his participation in legal actions to protect public trust responsibilities for fishery resources.
Young Conservationist of the Year
Deja Perkins (Raleigh)
Deja Perkins, a PhD candidate in Geospatial Analytics, has dedicated her work to bridging environmental data gaps and promoting access to nature for historically excluded communities. Drawing from her own experiences growing up in a polluted urban environment in Chicago, Deja founded Naturally Wild LLC, where she connects urban Black and Brown communities to local nature through birding and nature-based experiences. By offering low-cost birding workshops, monthly walks, and youth programming, Deja fosters environmental stewardship and participatory science in North Carolina. Her work not only empowers underrepresented communities but also highlights the critical role of birds in understanding environmental quality, while advocating for inclusivity within the birding community. Through her research and outreach, Deja is a powerful advocate for environmental justice and the power of community-driven conservation.
Environmental Educator of the Year
Dr. Clyde Sorenson (Raleigh)
Dr. Clyde Sorenson has dedicated over 25 years to inspiring and educating thousands of individuals about the importance of insects and nature. As a professor at NC State University, he has introduced over 10,000 students to the fascinating world of entomology, teaching them the vital role insects play in ecosystems and human life. Through his engaging “Natures Ways” column in Wildlife in North Carolina, his media appearances, and his hands-on work with summer camp students, Clyde has made complex ecological concepts accessible and exciting. His passion for the natural world, combined with his remarkable ability to spark curiosity, has motivated countless people to connect with and protect the environment. From cicada emergences to the discovery of new firefly species, Clyde’s dedication to sharing the wonders of nature has greatly contributed to conservation education.
Conservation Organization of the Year
Triangle Land Conservancy (Durham)
Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC), founded in 1983, has been a key force in land and wildlife habitat conservation in North Carolina’s Triangle Region. Surpassing its 2018 goal of conserving 25,000 acres by 2025 a year ahead of time, TLC protected 1,544 acres valued at $26 million in 2024, with another 1,800 acres in progress. Focused on clean water, natural habitats, and local farms, TLC manages eight public preserves and two private ones, totaling 54 miles of trails, and engages over 90,000 visitors annually. Through partnerships and initiatives like the Good Ground Initiative, TLC is committed to conservation, sustainability, and fostering community connections with nature.
Legislator of the Year
Representative Steve Ross (Alamance)
Rep. Steve Ross from Alamance County has been a steadfast supporter of conservation efforts in the legislature, and in 2024 his persistence paid off. Rep. Ross worked to include a provision in the annual Farm Act to restore the state’s conservation tax credit. Despite some tough political headwinds along the way, Ross never wavered in his efforts. Thanks to his advocacy, a version of the conservation tax credit was included in the final bill. Thanks to him, there is now an incentive in place for landowners to donate their land, or a conservation easement on their land, to conservation groups.
Business Conservationist of the Year
Carolina Native Nursery (Burnsville)
Carolina Native Nursery in Burnsville, NC, has shown exceptional resilience and dedication to environmental restoration and community support. After Hurricane Helene devastated the nursery, destroying 90% of its inventory, the nursery quickly focused on recovery, donating over 5,000 flood-impacted native plants to local nonprofits, schools, and civic groups. This effort helped restore habitats and ecosystems across Western North Carolina. The nursery also continues to prioritize sustainable practices, including water sourcing from an on-site pond and maintaining a vibrant pollinator garden.
Natural Resources Scientist of the Year
Bryn Tracy (Apex)
Bryn Tracy has shown exceptional commitment to conserving North Carolina’s fish species and their habitats. A published author of research, including the “Guide to North Carolina’s Freshwater Fishes” and the “Annotated Atlas of the Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina,” he has been a key figure in state conservation efforts. Bryn served on multiple advisory committees, including the NCWRC Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee and the State Wildlife Action Plan Freshwater Fishes Taxa Team. He led successful fish reintroduction projects, such as in Richland Creek, and mentored future fisheries biologists through NC State’s Fisheries Subunit. His dedication also extends to volunteering with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, providing expertise in fish species identification.
Wildlife Volunteer of the Year
Dr. Jin Bai (Durham)
Jin Bai, Ph.D., has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to bird conservation, citizen science, and community engagement. Since joining the New Hope Bird Alliance in 2021, he has been an invaluable leader of the Science Committee and Board of Directors. Jin has led impactful bird-window collision mitigation projects at UNC and Meredith College, coordinated bird surveys at Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, and advocated for bird-friendly practices at local universities. Additionally, his contributions to citizen science, including bird counts and environmental surveys, have advanced conservation efforts across the Triangle region. Jin’s outreach extends to community education, where he has inspired youth and peers through talks, bird walks, and advocacy, including his work on the Migratory Bird Protection Act. His sustained commitment to bird conservation makes him a standout volunteer and advocate in the field.
Public Lands Conservationist of the Year
Marquette Crockett (Asheville)
Marquette Crockett’s leadership as the Roan Stewardship Director for the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) has been instrumental in the conservation of the Roan Highlands, one of the most ecologically significant areas in the Appalachian region. Through her efforts, she has protected the fragile ecosystems of the Roan Massif, home to over 30,000 acres of rare and endangered species. Marquette has spearheaded key conservation projects, including the management of invasive species, habitat restoration, and the protection of species like the Carolina northern flying squirrel and Gray’s lily. Her ability to build partnerships and engage communities has ensured the continued preservation of this unique area for future generations. Her tireless work in land stewardship, habitat protection, and volunteer engagement exemplifies her dedication to the conservation and long-term sustainability of the Roan Highlands.
Chapter of the Year
NCWF Wildlife Habitat Stewards of Northeastern NC Chapter (Elizabeth City)
Since its inception, the NCWF Wildlife Habitat Stewards of Northeastern NC Chapter has demonstrated unwavering dedication to protecting and restoring wildlife habitats across the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula. Their efforts, which include organizing over 30 educational programs and nature outings, have successfully engaged the local community in wildlife conservation. The chapter has planted more than 1,300 native pollinator plants, cleared invasive species from half an acre of land, and removed over 3,100 pounds of litter, making significant strides in habitat restoration. As they continue to expand their impact, the chapter plans to plant 1,000 additional native plants and participate in critical advocacy and educational workshops.
Affiliate of the Year
Gardening for Wildlife Committee, Cape Fear Garden Club (Wilmington)
The Gardening for Wildlife Committee (GFW) of the Cape Fear Garden Club (CFGC) in Wilmington, NC, has made remarkable strides in promoting native plants and sustainable gardening practices. Their efforts culminated in the successful certification of their community by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in October 2024. GFW organized numerous events, including native plant displays, tree plantings, and booths at festivals to promote wildlife conservation. A highlight of the year was hosting renowned expert Dr. Doug Tallamy, who educated the community on the critical role of native plants in supporting local wildlife. Through their dedication, GFW not only achieved NWF Community Wildlife Certification but also sparked a broader awareness of sustainable gardening, with a celebratory event scheduled for March 2025.
Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year
Master Officer Eric Crouse (Ronda)
Master Officer Eric Crouse has dedicated over eleven years to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, with nine years serving in his home county of Wilkes. Known for his involvement in both enforcement and community outreach, Officer Crouse has assisted multiple divisions, from helping with trout stream access to chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling. He has also rescued injured wildlife, including bald eagles, and mentored new officers. Crouse’s expertise in game law enforcement is demonstrated through his innovative use of trail cameras and developing a decoy to combat illegal nighttime hunting. His commitment to public safety was evident when he provided critical first aid to a gunshot victim. Nominated for the 2023 NC Bow Hunters Association Officer of the Year, Officer Crouse’s contributions to wildlife conservation and community education are invaluable.
Marine Patrol Officer of the Year
Officer Candace Rose (Seven Springs)
Officer Candace Rose began her career with NC Marine Patrol in 2018 after a decade of service as a Park Ranger for NC State Parks. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation from East Carolina University and has earned certifications as a National Association of Search and Rescue Instructor, Search and Rescue Tech 2, and Emergency Medical Technician. Rose also served honorably in the NC Army National Guard from 2013 until 2024, retiring at the rank of Major. Serving primarily in Beaufort County, she is recognized for her willingness to help fellow officers and her dedication to field training, having trained three new officers this past year. As a member of the NCMP Swift Water Rescue Team, Rose brings valuable expertise in emergency management and has deployed for critical rescues, including in western NC. Her unwavering commitment to the Division and her ability to take on any task with enthusiasm make Officer Rose a true asset to the North Carolina Marine Patrol and an inspiration to her colleagues.
(RSVP and purchase tickets for the 60th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards.)
Written by:
– Bates Whitaker, NCWF Communications & Marketing Manager