NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Audubon Nature Institute’s youth volunteers have been named the Youth Conservationists of the Year for 2018 in the Annual Governor’s State Conservation Achievement Recognition Program conducted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.
Celebrating its 55th year, this awards program recognizes those individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made significant contributions to the cause of conservation and wise use of Louisiana’s natural resources in 2018.
In 2018, 268 youth volunteers participated in Audubon’s six Youth Volunteer programs, contributing 26,295 hours of service.
"Our family is grateful to the participants of the Youth Volunteer Corps for their commitment and dedication to conservation,” said George Trumbull IV of the Trumbull Family Foundation, which proudly supports Audubon’s Youth Volunteer programs. “The Louisiana Wildlife Federation's recognition testifies to the principles, dedication, and hard work of these emerging leaders in conservation in New Orleans and across Louisiana."
Audubon’s Youth Volunteer Corps consists of a group of dedicated, environmentally-conscious, and civic-minded young people who are growing into the next generation of guardians of Louisiana’s natural resources. The significance of their efforts reaches beyond the immediate impact of the work they perform in our community in service of our local environment — each Audubon Youth Volunteer becomes an ambassador and advocate for our natural world, setting an example for their peers and carrying the appreciation they have developed for the wonders of nature with them through their lives and careers.
The diversity of Audubon’s Youth Volunteer programs allows for youth of a wide range of ages with varying scheduling demands to find a program that best suits their interests and ability to give their time—whether throughout the year for multiple years, just over summers, or only sporadically. These programs empower youth to create a positive impact on the natural world while making memories to last a lifetime.
The award will be presented at a banquet held in Audubon’s honor the evening of Saturday, April 27, at Ashley Manor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
