Conservation Award winners announced at 5th Annual Green Gala

ASHEVILLE, NC –Regional group announces Conservation Award winners at 5th Annual Green Gala. Wild South announced today the winners for its annual Roosevelt-Ashe Conservation Awards. The awards honor outstanding conservation work in the South.

“These awards recognize present day conservation heroes for their contributions to protect wild places and wild things across our region” said Tracy Davids, Wild South’s Executive Director.  “Like Teddy Roosevelt and W.W. Ashe for whom our awards are named, their work exemplifies passion, dedication, and leadership.”

“Wild South is very proud to present these annual awards, and each year I continue to be inspired by the nominees” said Mitch Orland, Wild South’s Board Member and Leadership Donor.  “The award recipients demonstrate how we can work together to make a difference and protect our planet for future generations.”

The Roosevelt-Ashe Conservation Award Winners are:
     Outstanding Business in Conservation
Avondale Brewing Company (Birmingham, AL)
     Outstanding Journalist in Conservation
George Ellison (Bryson City, NC)
     Outstanding Educator in Conservation
Heather Montgomery (McDowell Environmental Center, AL)
     Outstanding Youth in Conservation
Avalon Theisen (Conserve it Forward/Save the Frogs, FL)
Outstanding Conservationist
Chris Oberholster (The Nature Conservancy of Alabama)

Wild South Awards of Distinction
Brenda Cooke and Jay Mills

The Award winners are selected by an independent committee comprised of highly respected conservationists from across the South. Their task was incredibly difficult due to the amazing pool of nominees. On Friday night, Wild South held its annual Green Gala, to celebrate outstanding contributions in conservation that forward the important mission of Wild South to inspire people to enjoy, value, and protect the wild character and natural legacy of the South.

The 5th Annual Green Gala was sponsored by:  Deltec Homes, The Green Sage Coffeehouse and Café, Eagle’s Nest Outfitters, Mountain High Outfitters, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Sour Grapes Wines, Mountain Food Products, Wicked Weed Brewing Co., French Broad Brewing Co, Blackbird Frame & Art, Smiling Hara Tempeh, Celine and Company, Sunburst Trout Farm, French Broad Chocolates, Classic Event Rental, BluBus Clothing Co. and other friends of forests.

Videos of Nominees are found on Wild South’s Youtube page HERE