News Release

COLUMBUS, OH -- Six Ohio conservationists were recognized today for outstanding contributions to the conservation and enjoyment of the state's natural resources. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) inducted Forest W. Buchanan of Amsterdam (Columbiana County) into the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame.

Receiving ODNR's Cardinal Awards for conservation achievement were Robert Redett of Amlin, Roger Conant formerly of Toledo, Robert Carroll of Wauseon, and Larry and Nancy Henry of Bainbridge. Award ceremonies were held at ODNR headquarters in Columbus.

The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame was created by ODNR in 1966. With the induction of Buchanan, 123 individuals have now 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 Johnnie Appleseed, Ohio-born explorer John Wesley Powell, botanist Lucy Braun and conservationist/novelist Louis Bromfield.

The Cardinal Award honors Ohioans and Ohio-based organizations who have demonstrated exceptional environmental awareness and a commitment to natural resource conservation.

Those honored today were:

Forest Buchanan (Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame) received the state's top conservation honor for his unique and far-reaching contributions to the appreciation and conservation of Ohio's natural resources. As an educator, writer, photographer and sportsman in a career spanning much of the 20th Century he has built a remarkable legacy as one of our state's foremost naturalists. Forest Buchanan is credited with the discovery and subsequent preservation of Stillfork Swamp, a unique wetland in Carroll County. As a teacher for more than 25 years in the Amsterdam, Ohio schools and as a volunteer naturalist throughout eastern Ohio, he has shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with generations of Ohioans.

Bob Redett (Ohio Cardinal Award) was recognized for his 54 years of service to the cause of forest management in Ohio. His contributions and leadership with the ODNR Division of Forestry from 1946-1983, helped strengthen Ohio's forest system. Under his leadership, the Ohio Forestry Association has been reshaped and revitalized to become a major voice for conservation and wise use of Ohio's forest resources.

Roger Conant (Ohio Cardinal Award) served for many years as chief herpetologist and chief curator of the Toledo Zoological Gardens. After nine years of research across 86 of Ohio's 88 counties, he produced The Reptiles of Ohio, a detailed guide which stands as a landmark in the understanding of Ohio's natural resources. Now retired, he resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Robert Carroll (Ohio Cardinal Award) was recognized for his outstanding commitment to soil and water conservation programs on the local, state and national levels. From his earliest days with the Fulton Soil and Water Conservation District in the 1970s, to his leadership positions with the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and National Association of Conservation Districts, Carroll has helped to strengthen the soil and water conservation movement in Ohio.

Larry and Nancy Henry (Ohio Cardinal Award) were honored for their untiring efforts to protect and preserve the exceptional resources of Rocky Fork Gorge in Highland County. Today, their Highlands Nature Sanctuary protects 910 acres of Rocky Fork Gorge, thanks to more than $1.7 million that the Henrys have raised in private grants and donations.