The National Wild Turkey Federation presented Hillsdale College Nimrod Education Center Director Al Stewart with a Special Recognition Award at the 50-year anniversary celebration in Grand Blanc, Michigan on Jan. 14. “I am honored to be recognized by the National Wild Turkey Federation,” said Stewart. “I am proud to work with so many outstanding individuals and organizations, such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, that are committed to hunting and angling through their spirit of sportsmanship and their respect for our natural resources.”

The National Wild Turkey Federation is a membership organization that is dedicated to maintaining robust wild turkey populations; benefiting healthy forests, waterways, and communities; and championing the soul of the American hunting lifestyle. Stewart was recognized for his 50-plus years of dedication to wildlife, conservation, and natural resource management and for his commitment to teaching the public about the societal benefits of hunting and angling through the Nimrod Education Center.

“Al truly embodies the core of this award,” National Wild Turkey Federation Michigan State Chapter President Bert VanderWeele said. “We thank him for his forward and visionary thinking, collaboration with traditional and non-traditional partners and for his ability to instill respect for our cherished natural resources and the American ethic of conservation.” Stewart previously served as the upland game bird specialist and program leader for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. He has been acknowledged for his positive impact on wildlife and natural resources at international, national, and state levels.

“Hunting and angling plays a large roll in funding conservation efforts that also fuel economic prosperity,” said Stewart. “More than 50 million Americans hunt and fish every year, creating over $200 billion in economic activity and supporting over 1.5 million jobs. The continuation of these time-honored traditions by organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation and Hillsdale College’s Nimrod Center ensure that our lands and water receive the care and funding they need to remain accessible and magnificent for all Americans.”

For photos of Stewart receiving award from VanderWeele, click here.

For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.

About the Nimrod Society

The Nimrod Society is a 501(c)(3), non-profit foundation aimed at encouraging state and federal wildlife management and conservation agencies to adopt self-sustaining revenue models to fund ongoing, comprehensive media-based education campaigns targeted at the general public. The Nimrod Society was formed in 2003 and refers to the biblical name of Nimrod, the founder of several ancient cities and known as “a mighty hunter before the Lord” (Genesis 10:8-12). For more information, visit nimrodsociety.org.

About Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College is an independent, nonsectarian, Christian liberal arts college located in southern Michigan. Founded in 1844, the College has built a national reputation through its classical liberal arts core curriculum and its principled refusal to accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies, even indirectly in the form of student grants or loans. It also conducts an outreach effort promoting civil and religious liberty, including a free monthly speech digest, Imprimis, with a circulation of more than 6.2 million. For more information, visit hillsdale.edu.

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