ODNR Honors 2024 Hall of Fame & Cardinal Award Class
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(Columbus) – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) celebrated and honored Ohioans for their lifetime achievements in conservation and protection of Ohio’s natural resources with a ceremony to recognize Cardinal Award winners and Hall of Fame inductees.
Seven outstanding individuals were inducted into the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame 2024 Class, including several from our area.
The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame and Cardinal Awards ceremony took place at the Natural Resources Park during the Ohio State Fair.
“The Hall of Fame honors people who have made conservation their lifetime mission,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “We want to recognize the decades of work and stewardship our new Hall of Fame members have provided for the benefit of all Ohioans. We hope that this inspires future generations to continue this amazing work.”
The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame award was created in 1966 to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to protecting Ohio’s natural resources. With the 2024 inductions, the number of people presented with this honor is 193.
New inductees are as follows:
Michael Budzik:
Michael Budzik began his career at the ODNR Division of Wildlife at the Wolf Creek Wildlife Area in 1975. He moved around the state to take other jobs within the division and climbed the ladder until he became Chief of the Division of Wildlife from 1995 to 2003. He was instrumental in many initiatives throughout his career including purchasing land for preservations and Wildlife Protection Areas and educating the public about wildlife management. Mike has received many awards throughout his career such as Ohio’s Man of the Year Award from the Woods and Water Conservation Association, Conservationist of the Year Award from League of Ohio Sportsmen, and more.
Leon Mertz:
Leon Mertz has served as a key promoter of Lake Loramie and the state parks system for more than 10 years. He is president of the Lake Loramie Improvement Association and led a campaign to install adaptive boating/kayak launches as well as accessible trails and equipment. On top of his many lake improvement projects, Leon is a wildlife photographer and kayak instructor.
Nancy Stranahan:
Nancy Stranahan has been described as “a force of nature” due to her exemplary leadership skills and naturalist experience and passion that separates her from others. For 15 years she worked as a naturalist and eventually chief naturalist, overseeing the outdoor interpretive program for ODNRs state parks. She later co-founded the Arc of Appalachia Preserve system in 1995 and remains the Executive Director for the group. Under her leadership, the preserve system has protected nearly 11,000 acres of land which helped protect 100 species of state-listed plant and animal species in the process. Nancy has received numerous well-deserved awards throughout her career, including a Cardinal Award in 1999.
Peg VanVleet:
Peg VanVleet has been the captain of Blue Sky Charters since 2011 — a sport fishing charter that tours anglers around Lake Erie in search of walleye, perch, and other fish. Captain VanVleet has long supported the ODNR Division of Wildlife, notably organizing charter boat captains for Governor DeWine’s Fish Ohio Day. She also advocates for outdoor enthusiasts and conservation funding initiatives at the Ohio Statehouse and attends various conservation events. Captain VanVleet is highly decorated for her dedication to Lake Erie and the angling community, having received awards such as the 2016 Captain of the Year from the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association and the 2023 Shore Award for hospitality in tourism. In 2022, she was appointed as Vice President of Environmental Issues for Lake Erie by the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, and she actively promotes conservation and is a mentor for young anglers, demonstrating her dedication to Lake Erie and the angling community.
Milton Brent:
Milton Brent served ODNR from 1972 to 2001 as a wildlife officer. He started his career at Ohio Wildlife Academy and became the first Black wildlife officer in Ohio when he was commissioned in the summer of 1972. Milt found a welcoming work environment, where his passion for hunting and fishing allowed him to excel in his career. Milt became the division’s expert on waterfowl enforcement, using updated methods and aerial surveys to locate illegal baiting sites. Known as “Black Duck” for his prowess in the duck marshes, Milt wore the nickname with pride, and became well known in the marshes, swamps, and tributaries throughout Northwest Ohio for his knowledge, amiability, and outstanding law enforcement work.
This honor was awarded posthumously. Milt’s daughter, Angela Martinez, accepted the award on his behalf.
Reverend Pascal Bright:
Reverend Pascal Bright who is known to many as “the father of Hocking Hills State Park.” Reverend Bright was instrumental in convincing the state government to purchase the land that is now Hocking Hills State Park. For years, he submitted articles to the Columbus Dispatch that would expound upon the beauty of the land, putting a spotlight on the rolling hills of Appalachia. He went on to serve in the state committee to acquire the land for Hocking Hills. After the state park was designated, he held services in Ash Cave, with the goal to share the beauty of the park with his congregation. It is fitting that his induction coincides with USA Today naming Whispering Cave at Hocking Hills State Park the best hiking trail in the United States, exactly 100 years after Reverend Bright’s instrumental efforts led to the park’s purchase in 1924. His tireless efforts to convince the state to purchase and preserve the land will forever be remembered and appreciated.
This honor was awarded posthumously. Christopher Bright, Reverend Bright’s great grandnephew, accepted the award on his behalf.
Emmett Conway, Jr.:
Emmett Conway Jr. the founder and CEO of Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, Inc. which is renowned for sustainable practices, offering lumber production and expert forest management services. Emmett’s influence extends beyond business; he has mentored countless leaders in Ohio’s forest products industry, advocating for ethical land stewardship and forest management practices. A lifelong outdoorsman, Emmett’s dedication to Ohio’s forests and his pivotal role in the Paul Bunyan Show – an industry trade show that educates the public on the process of cutting timber – earned him recognition from the Ohio Forestry Program in 2021. Now Emmett Conway, Jr. will join his father Emmett Conway, Sr. in the Natural Resources Hall of Fame.
This honor was awarded posthumously. Adam Conway, Emmett Conway, Jr.’s son, accepted the award on his behalf.
The Cardinal Awards
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductions, ODNR also presented the Cardinal Award to six Ohioans. The Cardinal Award, created in 1971, honors individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional awareness and concern for ideals reflected in the department’s mission statement: To ensure a balance between the wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.
Cardinal Award recipients have included outdoor writers, educators, farmers, biologists, naturalists, businesses, sporting organizations, and volunteers across the state of Ohio.
Award winners are as follows:
Glen Alexander:
Glen Alexander joined ODNR as the Chief of the Division of Parks & Recreation in 1991, which was time when large budget cuts threatened the state park system. Despite the circumstances, Glen made significant contributions to Ohio State Parks by addressing a backlog of maintenance repairs, streamlining park management, and empowering local managers to create revenue-generating opportunities. His innovative approach led to a substantial increase in visitors and park-generated funds. Glen also restored naturalist programs to higher levels and introduced the Write Right to the Chief Program, ensuring customer feedback directly influenced park improvements. He played a key role in advocating for the NatureWorks bond issue, securing funding for extensive park enhancements.
Linda Allen:
Linda Allen is the esteemed director of KAMP Dovetail located at Rocky Fork State Park. She has dedicated 42 years to this volunteer-run summer camp, bringing together people with and people without disabilities to create a harmonious and supportive environment. Each year, KAMP Dovetail hosts 250 campers, guiding them through activities such as swimming, crafts, camping, and more. Linda’s impact goes beyond these activities; she has also overseen major infrastructure improvements such as transforming an old hog barn into a functional kitchen, establishing an ADA-compliant shower house, a laundry facility, a nurse’s station, an activity/storage barn, and a horse barn.
José Fernández:
José Fernández’s work aligns with the ODNR and the Division of Forestry’s missions to protect and promote forests and the environment for the benefit of all Ohioans. José is a highly respected forestry and environmental professional at Ahlum and Arbor Tree Preservation. As an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Board Certified Master Arborist, he shares his extensive knowledge to advance the program goals of the Ohio ISA. José has authored numerous blogs and articles on plant health and tree care, serving as valuable resources for both professionals and the public. José also developed a short course for arborists on recognizing and preventing oak wilt.
Roy Kroll:
Roy Kroll has been a dedicated advocate for the conservation of wetlands within the Lake Erie Coastal Marshes since 1979. He earned his Master of Science degree studying the ecology of nesting blue-winged teal in these marshes, and he has spent 45 years managing, restoring, and championing wetland conservation. Roy managed 4,500 acres of wetlands at Winous Point Marsh Conservancy from 1983-2008, elevating the marshes to some of the top wetland habitats in Ohio. His work with Ducks Unlimited and later with Standing Rush, a 550+ acre wetland complex, transformed degraded wetlands into thriving habitats for thousands of migrating waterbirds and resident wildlife species. Roy’s innovative approach to wetland management included mentoring more than 50 interns, many of whom have gone on to significant roles at ODNR.
Roger Osborne:
Roger Osborne has dedicated many years to promoting re-mining in Ohio, resulting in the reclamation of miles of abandoned mine land highwalls, pits, and streams. His efforts include implementing new incentives for remining through modified permits and procedures while ensuring that Ohio’s mine reclamation laws are aligned with federal standards and fairly enforced. Roger’s work has led to the restoration of streams and wetlands and overall improvement of water quality, making the land safer for Ohio’s citizens. As a registered Professional Engineer and Surveyor, Roger is highly respected for his expertise in engineering, stream restoration, and mine reclamation, receiving many awards and recognition for his remining efforts.
Elmer Heyob Jr.:
Elmer Heyob Jr. is fondly known for his contributions and dedication to ODNR’s Muskie Program. The program creates and maintains “catch and release” trophy fishing opportunities through fish stocking, conservative fisheries management, and relationships with dedicated anglers. Elmer became known as “Mr. Muskie” as he was recognized twice by the Ohio Huskie Muskie Club, the oldest organized fishing club in Ohio, for his work with the program and in April 2023 was elected to the inaugural class of the Central Ohio Muskies, Inc. Chapter Hall of Fame. Elmer was employed by ODNR for thirty years until retiring in 2011. During his time with the department, he served as a key contact with the Ohio muskie clubs, being a sought-after speaker and facilitator in addressing challenges associated with managing the fishery. Outside of his role at ODNR, Elmer was known for his energy, generosity, and unselfishness in sharing his fishing knowledge, going out of his way to educate new anglers.
This honor was awarded posthumously. His daughter, Kelsey Heyob accepted the award on behalf of her dad.
