Tuesday, 17 June 2008 07:53

Paul Johnsgard, world-renowned ornithologist and foundation professor emeritus of biology at UNL, has been selected as the recipient of the National Audubon Society's Charles H. Callison Award.

Johnsgard was nominated for the award, which honors outstanding National Audubon Society staff and volunteers, by Audubon chapters throughout Nebraska, including Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center near Denton and Iain Nicholson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon.

As a leader in conservation, Johnsgard is the ideal candidate for the award, which focuses on individual efforts of "environmental policy achievements, creativity, coalition building, and education and outreach." He is the author of more than 50 books on these and other subjects.

"The citizens of Nebraska and the world have been blessed by Paul's lifelong dedication to drawing attention to the beauty of our state and its amazing bird populations," said Marian Langan, director of Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center. "We are thrilled that his efforts are being recognized in this way."