Washington D.C. (April 20, 2026)- The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies proudly shares the news that Jen Dennison, Education and Outreach Manager at Ohio Department of Natural Resources- Division of Wildlife, is recognized as this year’s Project WILD Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Dennison was presented with this award during the 91st North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Columbus, Ohio.
“Jen is widely respected in her field,” said Elena Takaki, Director of Professional Development and Conservation Education at the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Her extensive knowledge about wildlife – and particularly how to communicate that knowledge to the public and engage them so they care – is what makes her a leader in the field.”
Dennison’s enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism are an asset not only to educators across the State of Ohio, but across the country because she shares her ideas and demonstrates her leadership at the national level. Jen has been a Project WILD Coordinator for the State of Ohio for over 25 years.
When Dennison found out she was the recipient of this year’s award, she responded: “I have truly enjoyed my 25+ years with the Ohio Project WILD Program. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with some of the best conservation educators in our state and around the country, even in Japan! I believe this is one of the best conservation education programs out there and I am so happy to have spent my career supporting it.”
Project WILD joined the Association in 2017. Project WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program that focuses on wildlife and habitat. Project WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program that focuses on wildlife and habitat. The goal of Project WILD is to develop awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment resulting in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.
To learn more about Project WILD, go to www.projectwild.org.
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.
ASSOCIATION OF FISH & WILDLIFE AGENCIES
