COLUMBUS, OH -- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) today awarded its highest honor on three individuals who have made outstanding, lifelong contributions to the conservation and enjoyment of the state's natural resources. Those receiving the awards are Ralph Cobey of Galion, who worked to preserve Malabar Farm after the death of Louis Bromfield; Frances Kitchen, founder of Operation Orphan; and renowned herpetologist and former Toledo Zoo curator Roger Conant.
The department also presented its annual Cardinal Awards for conservation achievement to Arthur Farr of Bay Village, James Rinier of Kent and American Electric Power.
The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame was created by ODNR in 1966. To date, 128 individuals have been accorded the honor, which recognizes a lifetime devoted to the preservation, protection and wise management of Ohio's natural resources.
Previous Hall of Fame honorees include the legendary Johnny Appleseed, Ohio-born explorer John Wesley Powell, botanist Lucy Braun and conservationist/novelist Louis Bromfield.
Ralph Cobey is personally responsible for twice saving Malabar Farm -- once known as the most famous farm in America. After his friend Louis Bromfields death in 1956, Cobey worked to form the Malabar Farm Foundation to preserve the farm. He again worked to preserve Louis Bromfields testament to conservation agriculture by overseeing Malabars transfer to the State of Ohio in 1972. He served several Ohio governors in developing statewide environmental policy and has been a longtime supporter of the Boy Scouts on the local, state, national and international levels.
For 38 years, Frances Kitchen of Akron has worked to protect and rehabilitate orphan wildlife. In 1988, she officially started Operation Orphan and has assisted the ODNR Division of Wildlife, as well as many other individuals and organizations, in protecting young animals. Frances not only cares for more than 700 baby or injured animals a year, she educates the public and volunteers about Ohio wildlife and how to not carelessly create such orphans.
A nationally known biologist and former official of the Toledo Zoo, Roger Conant spent nine years researching Ohios snakes during the Great Depression doing research for his book, The Reptiles of Ohio, which is still highly regarded today. He has also influenced generations of ecologists through his numerous writings and public appearances.
The ODNR Cardinal Awards, also presented today, honor individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional awareness and concern for ideals reflected in the departments mission statement: to ensure a balance between the wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.
American Electric Power offers more than 30,000 acres of reclaimed land in southern Ohio, known as ReCreation Land, for public recreation at no charge. ReCreation Land offers the public access to more than 350 lakes and ponds and nearly 380 campsites, some equipped with bathrooms, drinking water, picnic shelters and other amenities. Since the programs beginning, more than 4 million people have visited the area for sightseeing, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and horseback riding.
Professor James Rinier created Kent State Universitys natural resources program. He continues to teach natural resource workshops yet today. During his career, Professor Rinier inspired hundreds of future natural resource professionals with his message of balancing wise use and protection. Professor Rinier touched more than 10,000 students during his career at Kent State. He has also guided more than 5,000 students through special, field-based workshops on more than 200 nature-related topics.
As a World War II Navy captain, Arthur H. Farr fought valiantly, earning two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star. Since then he has promoted boating safety through his work on the local, state and national levels. Arthur Farr began his tenure with the Rocky River Power Squadron in 1972, and went on to lead at every possible level within the U.S. Power Squadrons. Most recently, Admiral Farr served as Chief Commander of U.S. Power Squadrons.