Jerry Paulson wins Dedicated Conservationist Award - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Jerry Paulson wins Dedicated Conservationist Award

The executive director of the Natural Land Institute has been honored with the Dedicated Conservationist Award by the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

Jerry Paulson was awarded with the honor during the District's 72nd Annual Meeting at Klehm Arboretum. He was honored for over 40 years of work in the land conservation field and plans to retire from the Natural Land Institute on April 1. He has held the position of executive director since 2000.

"This is a special honor for me because my father was one of the early adopters of soil conservation practices on our farm with assistance from the District, an he instilled in us kids, whether we were aware of it or not, a true conservation ethic," Paulson said in his acceptance speech.

Paulson has also worked for the Lake Michigan Federation, McHenry County Defenders, American Farmland Trust, and The Wetlands Initiative.