Kristal Stoner Named Recipient of the Harold L. Wiegers Nebraska Outstanding Conservation Award

Audubon Great Plains is excited to announce the Harold L. Wiegers Nebraska Outstanding Conservation Award has been awarded to Kristal Stoner, Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon Great Plains, in recognition of her outstanding leadership and lasting contributions to wildlife conservation. 

This prestigious award honors members of the Nebraska community who have devoted their work to the conservation of wildlife while inspiring others through their work and accomplishments. Named after Dr. Harold L. Wiegers, longtime professor and founder of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln’s fisheries and wildlife program. This award reflects a legacy of leadership, education, and commitment to protecting natural resources. Members of the UNL Wildlife Club solicit nominations for this award each spring, and the Wildlife Club’s officer team selects the winner of the award. 

As Executive Director of Audubon Great Plains, Stoner has been a leading voice for habitat conservation across the region. Stoner’s accomplishments include supporting protection of the Nebraska Environmental Trust funding, supporting wildlife conservation efforts and habitat protection across the state, and backing educational and outreach opportunities for the community through wildlife programming at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center and at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary. 

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects a shared commitment to conserving wildlife and the places they depend on, and to inspiring others to care about the natural world around us, said Stoner”. “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible colleagues, partners, and communities who bring passion, creativity, and determination to this work every day.”