NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2011

Herpetologist is given the 2011 Wildlife Diversity Conservation Award

COLUMBUS, OH – Doug Wynn of Russell’s Point received the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Award at Wednesday’s Wildlife Diversity Conference, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Herpetologist Doug Wynn received the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Award at the 2011 Wildlife Diversity Conference. (Click the photo to enlarge.)

Wynn is a well-known herpetologist and retired biology teacher from Westerville North High School in Franklin County. He has dedicated years of work to the conservation of the state endangered timber rattlesnake, Eastern massasauga, and Plains gartersnakes. His research has expanded knowledge of these species as well as educated the public, dispelling many of the myths and misinformation associated with these animals.

Wynn is a strong, vocal advocate for the conservation of Ohio’s herpetofauna, conducting hundreds of public presentations and granting interviews for numerous newspapers, magazines, and video and radio programs.

In presenting Wynn his award, Wildlife Diversity Coordinator and conference host Kendra Wecker shared a portion of the text of the plaque with attendees that read in part “his conservation ethic is an inspiration to all who are familiar with his work, those who know him personally, and those who care about Ohio’s natural resources.”

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(Editor’s Note: A high resolution photo of Doug Wynn is available by emailing heidi.evans@dnr.state.oh.us)

For more information, contact:
Kendra Wecker, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614. 265. 7043
Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614. 265. 6325