COLUMBUS, OH -- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) today awarded its highest conservation honor to two individuals who have made outstanding, lifelong contributions to the protection and enjoyment of the state's natural resources. Inducted into the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame were Frances Seiberling Buchholzer of Akron and Harold Jeffers of Chesterhill in Morgan County.
The department also presented its annual Cardinal Awards for conservation achievement to Prabhat Krishnaswamy of Columbus, Steve Robinson of Marysville, The Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Inc. and the Chagrin River Land Conservancy.
ODNR established the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame in 1966. To date, 132 individuals have been accorded the honor, which recognizes a lifetime devoted to the preservation, protection and wise management of Ohio's natural resources.
Previous Natural Resources Hall of Fame honorees include the legendary Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman), Ohio-born explorer John Wesley Powell, botanist Lucy Braun and conservationist/novelist Louis Bromfield.
Frances Seiberling Buchholzer has contributed in countless ways to the quality and vitality of life in Ohio as a conservationist, educator, outdoor sportswoman and active force in the promotion of the state's natural resources. Buchholzer was the first woman to serve as ODNR director (1991-1995) and was a driving force in creating and winning passage of the NatureWorks bond-issue program, which has invested more than $200 million in Ohio's parks and natural resources facilities.
Harold Jeffers of Morgan County is widely recognized throughout Ohio for his contributions to forestry management in both the public and private sectors. His induction into the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame further acknowledges his pioneering work in reforesting strip-mined lands and his overall advocacy of sound forest management practices.
The ODNR Cardinal Awards honor individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional awareness and concern for ideals reflected in the department's mission statement: to ensure a balance between the wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.
As an industry advisor to the ODNR Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention, Prabhat Krishnaswamy, Ph.D., has played a critical role in developing test standards for recycled plastic lumber. The Franklin County resident is vice president of the Columbus-based Engineering Mechanics Corporation.
Steve Robinson of Union County provides strong support to the ODNR Division of Soil & Water Conservation through his dedication to the state's soil and water conservation district program. A 15-year board member of the Union County Soil & Water Conservation District, he has assisted his community in local natural resources management.
The Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Inc. works in concert with the ideals and goals of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. As such, their dedication to making wise land-use decisions is helping ensure the Chagrin River watershed remains a sustainable resource for the people, plants and wildlife of Ohio.
Chagrin River Land Conservancy, also a partner with the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, is working to protect, preserve and promote responsible use of land and water resources. A group of private landowners, their accomplishments include protecting more than 4,700 acres in the Chagrin River watershed.