ODNR Awards Conservation Honors

Camden’s Doug Adams presented with Cardinal Award

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) honored Doug Adams and other leading conservationists who have made outstanding contributions to the protection and enjoyment of the state's natural resources.

ODNR Director Sean D. Logan presented Adams with the agency’s Cardinal Award for Conservation for his efforts to improve the Hueston Woods State Park horse camp. The Cardinal Award honors individuals and organizations that demonstrate 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.

“Doug Adams is an amazing volunteer who appreciates Ohio State Park facilities and has gone above and beyond to make sure others can enjoy them as much as he does,” said Director Logan. “His efforts have provided a positive image to the visitors of Ohio State Parks.”

Thanks to Adams, the horse camp at Hueston Woods has one of the highest revenues in the state. As president of the Preble County Horseman Council, he has been a key contributor to its success. Whether it was clearing the horse trails, cleaning the camp, or building projects, Adams always has a hand in it.

For the past four years, Adams has given up his family vacation to donate his time to the continued improvement of the horse camp. Some of these improvements include the expansion of the horseman’s campground, installation of electric hookups in 13 campsites, design and printing of new trail maps, construction of a new trail, launch of fun horse shows and the cleanup of several trails. Using his own equipment, Adams has spent most of his free time at the camp working.

ODNR also presented Cardinal Awards to D’Arcy Egan of Marblehead, Larry Rosche of Kent and Tom Stockdale of Columbus.

During the awards ceremony, which was held at ODNR headquarters in Columbus, Helen Black of Cincinnati, the late Judge Guy B. Findley of Elyria, Tim Gerber of Worthington and Dean Sheldon Jr. of Greenwich were inducted into the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame.

The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame recognizes a lifetime devoted to the preservation, protection and wise management of Ohio's natural resources. 145 individuals have been accorded the honor, including the legendary Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman), Ohio-born explorer John Wesley Powell, botanist Lucy Braun and conservationist/novelist Louis Bromfield.