King, founder and owner of Pine Ridge Gardens in London, is often considered the most knowledgeable in Arkansas when it comes to using native plants in the landscape, the release said. She is credited with educating generations of amateurs and professionals on native plants and their role in bird, wildlife and butterfly habitats.
Futrell was an avid boat racer in the 1950s and took over the family business, Futrell Marine, which his father Dan Futrell established in 1948. He has since become one of the most well-known and respected businessmen in retail boating.
Young joined the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission as an entry-level water resource engineer in 1971; just four years later he was deputy director/chief engineer and was appointed executive director in 1985, a post he would hold under five governors over the next 31 years. Among his many accomplishments was working hand-in-hand with conservation groups to fight erosion, floodwater and sediment damage that threatened fragile ecosystems.
LEGACY AWARD
Legends of Arkansas’s business and philanthropic communities, J.B. and Johnelle Hunt built J.B. Transport Services from a five-truck operation into one of the largest transportation communities in the nation. The success of the company is rivaled only by the couple’s generosity, supporting innumerable worthwhile causes throughout Arkansas. Among the most recent examples, a $5 million dollar pledge toward building the forthcoming Northwest Arkansas Nature and Education Center in Springdale. Yet another legacy for future generations that bears the Hunt stamp.
Ross Whipple, The Ross Foundation: As chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Arkadelphia-based foundation, Whipple has overseen donations of millions of dollars in support of forestry research and conservation management as well as education, historical preservation and other worthwhile causes.
LEGACY AWARD
Winthrop Paul Rockefeller: Businessman, politician, conservationist and avid outdoorsman,
the late Winthrop Paul Rockefeller was a man for all seasons. His legacy of public service includes being
the driving force behind the creation of The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas, founding the International Billfish Conservation Foundation and serving on the national board for Boy Scouts of America. He also spearheaded The National Rifle Association’s Project ChildSafe in Arkansas, distributing hundreds of free trigger locks to gun owners statewide.
David Pryor, former Governor of Arkansas and member of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, is considered one of the Big Three in the history of Arkansas politics. Pryor’s years serving at the state and federal levels resulted in landmark achievements in conservation, advancing the outdoors experience enjoyed today throughout Arkansas.
Mark Karnes, The Ross Foundation: Directing the foundation’s land management program for its 60,000 diverse acres of timber land, Karnes has helped protect unique sections of the forest and, working in partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, developed acres for use as a wildlife management area and other recreational activities.
Every worthwhile effort in our society has been sparked by visionary men and women who were not satisfied with the status quo but sought a better answer or way. Such a person was John M. Olin inventor, industrialist, philanthropist, sportsman, conservationist, and champion of private enterprise1. He came along when hunting was emerging from a household necessity into an outdoor sport.
Simon worked for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Arkansas for 26 years and served as the Arkansas Director for 19 years. He also helped to develop the Arkansas Prescribed Fire Course with Martin Blaney at the AGFC