Natural Legacy Conference
The annual conference covers research, education and management of at-risk species in Nebraska.
The Natural Legacy Conference focuses on conservation, management, education and research of at-risk species and habitats in Nebraska. Join us at the annual conference to learn about efforts to implement the Natural Legacy Project and network with biologists, students, landowners and others interested in conservation across the state.
2025 Conference
October 7–9, 2025 | Union Hall, East Campus, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Join us for the Nebraska Natural Legacy and Society for Range Management Joint Conference. This year’s theme, Forging a Path Forward: Strengthening Nebraska’s Natural Legacy through Range Management, focuses on the intersection of range management and conservation to enhance Nebraska’s at-risk species and habitats.
Registration
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff should not register online. We will email a separate staff registration soon.
For conference details including registration, hotel room block, and call for presentations visit: https://agronomy.unl.edu/SRM-NGPC-Conference/.
Legacy Awards
Each year, one conservation award and one education award are given. The award winners are nominated by fellow coworkers, partners and conservationists.
Submit your nominations
Nominations for 2025 Conservation and Education Awards must be emailed to olivia.darugna@nebraska.gov by August 8, 2025. Download the nomination forms below to complete your nominations.
Conservation Award
This award is given to an individual or organization that exemplifies the Natural Legacy Project’s mission of conserving Nebraska’s flora, fauna and natural habitats for our Natural Legacy Conservation Award. Again this year, we are giving additional consideration to private landowners/producers who focus on land stewardship and conservation.
Education Award
The Natural Legacy Education Award recognizes someone who has advanced environmental or conservation education and has inspired others to learn about natural resources and the Natural Legacy Project.
Previous award winners
- Brian Zuhlke, landowner
- Bob Hansen, Nebraska Master Naturalist
- Kenneth Dinan, Partners for Fish and Wildlife, USFWS
- Lindsay Rogers, Nebraska Game and Parks
- Robert Kaul, University of Nebraska-Lincoln State Museum
- Mary Bomberger Brown, Tern & Plover Conservation Partnership
- Mark Brohman, Nebraska Environmental Trust
- Jeff Fortenberry, U.S. Representative
- Joel Jorgensen, Nebraska Game and Parks
- Marian Langan, Audubon Nebraska
- Teresa Lombard, Nebraska Game and Parks
- Mike Schrad, Nebraska Master Naturalist
- William Whitney, Prairie Plains Resource Institute
- Paula Hoppe, Nebraska Master Naturalist
- Ted LaGrange, Nebraska Game and Parks
- Gerry Steinauer, Nebraska Game & Parks
- Jason St. Sauver, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
- Jamie Kelley, Lincoln Parks and Recreation
- Dennis Ferraro, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Jaimie Bachman, Nebraska Master Naturalist
Past Conferences
View recordings of prior conference presentations on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission YouTube channel.
Contact us
Have a question or comment about the Natural Legacy Conference? Send us an email.
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About Nebraska Game & Parks
We’re a family of passionate, innovative professionals who work together to connect people to the natural world and support conservation in Nebraska.