Al Kitzman receives 2016 Ecological Conservation Award

The 2016 Ecological Conservation Award was presented to Al Kitzman for his long-term contributions to habitat restoration in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.  Al retired in 2014 from the Benton County Natural Areas and Parks Department after 34 years of service.  He managed several natural areas and parks for their habitat and recreational values, including pioneering the restoration of prairies to support endangered Fender’s blue and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies.  Al included school kids and youth in his projects, and he is an acknowledged expert in natural area management.  The award was presented on August 27th, 2016 at the Invasive Species Cook-off at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis, Oregon.