RESTON, Va. — Mitch Friedman of Conservation Northwest and TJ Brown of the National Wildlife Federation are recipients of the Federation’s annual Charlie Shaw Conservation Partnership Award. Friedman and Brown have demonstrated exceptional collaboration between the Federation and its affiliates to advance conservation and enhance partner relationships.

“Throughout his career, Mitch has repeatedly demonstrated how huge conservation victories for people and wildlife can be achieved through collaborative, equity-driven efforts,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Since founding Conservation Northwest in 1989, he has set himself apart in his ability to mentor and bring people together from across the Federation family. His legacy will live on for generations in the landscapes and species that he’s helped conserve—from restoring habitat connectivity across the I-90 corridor with signature wildlife overpasses to facilitating the historic return of the Figlenski Ranch to the Colville Tribes and successfully reintroducing fishers and Canada Lynx. He firmly secured Conservation Northwest’s place among the greatest conservation organizations in our nation through his visionary leadership, innovative solutions, and commitment to authentic partnerships.”

Friedman is not only the executive director of Conservation Northwest but founded the organization in 1989 and has since been a figurehead for environmental justice and conservation in Washington state and beyond. In 2021, Conservation Northwest, under Friedman’s leadership, completed a privately funded land return to Indigenous peoples regarded at the time as the largest in the history of the American West. They replicated this success with the return of 186 acres of land to the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation to benefit a wildlife corridor that crosses Interstate 5. This will help provide safe passage of wildlife through one of the only viable corridors linking the Cascade and Olympic mountain ecosystems in southwest Washington.

“To receive this award affirms my passion for collaborative activism that has immense benefits for both people and wildlife,” Friedman said. “It’s an honor to be recognized.”

“Drawing on his deep roots in community organizing, TJ consistently brings together regional staff, affiliates, and partners to create solutions grounded in trust, collaboration, and shared success,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “As our Western Regional Field Director, his tireless work defending National Monuments and Wilderness Areas, advocating for wildlife recovery for species like the Greater Sage-Grouse, advancing common-sense climate solutions, and championing conservation funding measures across the country has made him a respected voice across the Federation that shows how we can create lasting conservation impact through innovative organizing and authentic partnerships.”

TJ Brown has played a key role in building strong relationships with partners and leading successful campaigns on energy, climate, public lands, and wildlife across the Federation. Throughout his time at National Wildlife Federation, he has fostered enduring collaborations and worked closely with affiliates, staff and partners to find solutions that benefit both people and wildlife alike.

“Real conservation progress starts with strong relationships, trust, and a willingness to listen. The best outcomes happen when people come together, respect different perspectives, and work toward a common goal,” said Brown. “Those relationships have been at the heart of every campaign and initiative I've been part of, and I'm grateful to work alongside so many dedicated and talented people.”

The National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards began in 1966. Since then, the National Wildlife Federation has celebrated individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting wildlife through education, advocacy, communication and on-the-ground conservation. Previous honorees have included former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson and Michelle Obama, and other national leaders, including U.S. Senator John McCain and filmmaker Robert Redford.