Michael Forsberg has spent over three decades as a conservationist using photography to tell stories of wildlife and landscapes of North America’s Great Plains. His images have been featured in publications including Audubon, National Geographic, Nature Conservancy, and Sierra magazines. He is the recipient of the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography from the Sierra Club, the Environmental Impact Award from the North American Nature Photography Association, and the J. Sherwood Chalmer Medal from The Garden Club of America. Michael’s books include On Ancient Wings – The Sandhill Cranes of North America, Great Plains – America’s Lingering Wild, and Into Whooperland – A photographer’s journey with whooping cranes. Michael is a faculty member in the School of Natural Resources, and he cofounded Platte Basin Timelapse in partnership with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Michael Farrell. He is a Fellow with the Center for Great Plains Studies and the Daugherty Water for Food Institute, and a Senior Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers.
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This prestigious award honors members of our community who have devoted their lives to conservation of wildlife and have inspired many others through their work and accomplishments. Members of the UNL Wildlife Club solicit nominations for this award each spring, and the Wildlife Club’s officer team selects the winner of the award.
1 - Originally name "Nebraska Outstanding Wildlife Conservationalist Award"
This award recognizes alumni who have graduated from UNL within the last 10 years and have shown a great impact in their career field.
2025 Awardee: Wyatt Koehler
This award recognizes alumni who have made a substantial impact over the course of their career, and since graduating from UNL.
2025 Awardee: Tony Barada
Awarded at Spring Banquet 2025
Awarded at Spring Banquet 2024
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