Virginia

The Virginia Society of Ornithologists is seeking nominations for the Jackson M. Abbott Conservation Award, given for outstanding work in conserving Virginia’s birds and/or the state’s natural areas.

The Conservation Award was renamed the Jackson M. Abbott Conservation Award in 1989 based on Abbott’s extensive efforts to conserve Virginia’s birds.  While Abbott began the Fort Belvoir Christmas Bird Count in 1941 and the 250-acre Jackson Abbott Wetland Refuge on Fort Belvoir is named after him, he is best known for his work to protect Bald Eagles in Virginia, especially in the upper reaches of the Chesapeake Bay.  Some previous recipients of the award include James W. Waggener for his efforts to establish the Occoquan Wildlife Refuge (1999), the Non-game Division of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for their work in promoting conservation and public awareness of birds (2002), and the Center for Conservation Biology (2007).

Nominations, including at least three letters of recommendation and a list of the nominee’s accomplishments, should be submitted to VSO’s Conservation Committee (chair: Patti Reum pareum@gmail.com) no later than January 15, 2015.  The Conservation Committee will make its recommendations to the VSO Board at the February meeting.  The award will be presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting.

Patti Reum
VSO Conservation Committee Chair