UW Inaugural Biodiversity Science and Conservation Award Winners Announced

September 5, 2013
Man with two dogs
Chris Madson and his companions pose after a successful pheasant hunt. He received the Contributions to Biodiversity Conservation Award. (Berry Center photo)

Robert and Jane Dorn and Chris Madson have received inaugural lifetime achievement awards from the University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute. They will be honored Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 5:30 p.m. at the UW Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center.

The Dorns, both from Lingle, will receive the Contributions to Biodiversity Science Award, which acknowledges their lifetime extensive research of plants and birds from Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region. The Dorns’ publications on botany and ornithology are among the most widely used technical references for natural resource managers, field biologists and the public in Wyoming. Their work includes 22 books (or book chapters), including the Wyoming botanist’s bible, “The Vascular Plants of Wyoming,” and at least 23 articles and 26 technical reports.

Editor of the award-winning magazine “Wyoming Wildlife,” Madson, from Cheyenne, will receive the Contributions to Biodiversity Conservation Award, for his lifetime commitment to public education on Wyoming’s plants, animals and ecosystems.

“It is so appropriate, and so touching, that Bob and Jane Dorn and Chris Madson won the first Contributions to Biodiversity Science and Conservation awards,” says Carlos Martinez del Rio, UW Biodiversity Institute director. “They have truly revolutionized how we study and think about biodiversity in this state, and all of us -- not just ‘us’ from the Biodiversity Institute, but from all over Wyoming -- are grateful for their dedication and passion.”

The three were nominated by individuals from around the state and beyond, then selected by a panel of biodiversity experts from throughout Wyoming.

“We welcome anyone who has been touched by Bob’s, Jane’s or Chris’s work to attend the ceremony,” Martinez del Rio says. “These three individuals are cornerstones to biodiversity science and conservation, and showing your support and appreciation will make the award ceremony an even more special experience.”

A division of the UW Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, the Biodiversity Institute works to foster the understanding, appreciation and conservation of biological diversity through innovative research, education and outreach; and by engaging a broad audience in the scientific process. 

For more information, contact Brenna Marsicek at (307) 766-6240 or email brenna.marsicek@uwyo.edu.

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