National Wildlife Federation (NWF) invites you to be inspired on May 17th as we celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees and take a moment to "Rediscover The Joys of Nature." In today’s high-tech world, NWF recognizes the challenges American families face in getting children outdoors to connect with nature. Therefore, NWF has pledged to inspire adults and children alike to Be Out There™. The success of programs like Great American Backyard Campout™ and Hike & Seek™ are leading to a host of new innovations to increase awareness and engage families. NWF is thrilled to support this initiative at the 2012 “Connie Awards” as we inspire you to reconnect with the world outdoors!
History of the Connie Awards
In 1936, President Roosevelt called for a North American Wildlife Conference in Washington D.C., during our nation’s most dire economic times. Cartoonist J.N. “Ding” Darling and America’s most passionate conservationists, came together to consider a novel and revolutionary idea based on cooperation and collaboration with a single goal of saving America’s wildlife before it was too late. During this meeting the National Wildlife Federation was formed — an organization that would speak for millions of concerned Americans on behalf of wildlife that had no voice.
After that first banquet, conservation leaders came together many times over the years to celebrate successes and plan for the future. In 1966, NWF harnessed that energy by organizing the first annual Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet, now famed as the “Connie” Awards— honoring individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting wildlife through education, advocacy, communication and on-the-ground conservation. Previous honorees have included First Lady Bird Johnson, Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, actor Robert Redford, former Vice President Al Gore, former President Jimmy Carter and the Anheuser-Busch Companies.
Now, 76 years since our founding, we gather again in the spirit of conservation and bring together some of America’s greatest and most passionate advocates for wildlife to celebrate and honor today’s conservation heroes.