Each year, the National Lewis & Clark Conservation Awards recognize individuals and organizations that lead the charge for the appreciation and conservation of our natural resources in Missouri and beyond. Recipients of these awards represent leaders in business, philanthropy and conservation.
Please join us in recognizing the following honorees of the 2025 National Lewis & Clark Conservation Awards.
Corps of Discovery National Conservation Award
Peter W. Busch
Chairman of Southern Eagle Distributing
Peter W. Busch, discovered his passion for conservation early at his family’s Grant’s Farm in St. Louis. In 1986, he founded Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, which now rehabilitates thousands of sick and injured animals each year and welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually for education and outreach. He has produced acclaimed wildlife films, including Return of the Wolves to Yellowstone and The Great Bears of North America and partnered with agencies to rescue wild mustangs, reducing euthanasia rates and preserving their legacy. Busch has worked with Montana Fish and Wildlife to track wolverines, grizzlies, wolves, and elk and even created a reef off Ft. Pierce by sinking a WWII troop carrier, honoring his father while fostering marine life.
This award goes to an individual who reflects the spirit of conservation, shows outstanding leadership and has positively contributed to the conservation principles and programs supported by Missouri and beyond.
Missouri Legacy Conservation Award
Peter Wyse Jackson
President Emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden
Peter Wyse Jackson’s dedication and influential leadership in the development and implementation of plant conservation policies, strategies and projects, has named him one of the world’s foremost and best-known botanists and plant conservationists. He has shared his passion and knowledge as lead author of the International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation and served on the board of numerous botanical, conservation and horticulture organizations around the world, including serving as chairman of the Global Partnership for Plant Conservation. Jackson’s commitment to plant conservation is evident by his work at the Missouri Botanical Garden where he established a seed bank and conservation genetic laboratory and launched international programs in ecological restoration, rare plant propagation, conservation biology and genetics and more. Starting from the ground up, Jackson is leaving a legacy ensuring the future of our natural environments, resources and wildlife are preserved.
Inspired by the legacy of Lewis & Clark, this award recognizes an individual who shows exemplary leadership, commitment and service to the
conservation cause in Missouri and beyond.
Governor’s State of Missouri Conservation Award
Sara Parker Pauley
Former Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation
Sara Parker Pauley, has contributed immensely to Missouri maintaining its legacy as a leader in protecting the state’s fish, forest and wildlife resources and helping people connect with nature. She blazed a trail by serving as the first female Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation and has dedicated her life to the great outdoors. Her guidance and persistence in developing a partnership with Columbia Public Schools to create the vision, model and execution of the Boone County Nature School, implementing the first elk and bear hunting seasons in Missouri and unwavering support and partnership with the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems have been invaluable for ensuring the future of conservation in Missouri and beyond.
This award is hand-selected by the Governor of Missouri and goes to an individual who reflects the spirit of conservation, shows outstanding leadership and has positively contributed to conservation principles and programs in Missouri and beyond.
Pat Jones/Spirit of the Wilderness Conservation Award
Bob Brinkmann
Founder and Board Chair of Brinkmann Constructors
Bob Brinkmann’s dedication to the outdoors and preservation of our nation’s history is evident through his stewardship and philanthropy. He shares his spirit and passion with others by telling the story of his beautifully restored buildings from the 1700s and 1800s, honoring the legacy of Daniel Boone, a skilled hunter, trapper and trailblazer. Brinkmann’s pollinator plots have produced amazing honey and contributed to the preservation of threatened species. Additionally, Brinkmann generously hosts a multitude of charity events at his 110-acre property for causes close to his heart, including the Katy Land Trust, St. Louis Police Department and MCHF in support of clean water. Brinkmann’s hard work and entrepreneurial spirit have impacted many people’s lives, including those employed at Brinkmann Constructors.
This award goes to an individual who has dedicated their life to the promotion, protection and service of wilderness and natural resources throughout Missouri. The award is in honor of York, a pivotal contributor to the success of the Lewis & Clark Expedition and in honor of Pat Jones, spouse of Edward “Ted” Jones, for the dynamic role she has played in conservation in Missouri. Pat Jones was the first recipient of the award in 2016 and her name was added to it in 2017.
Sacagawea Community and Partnership Conservation Award
Great Rivers Habitat Alliance
Founded in 2000 by concerned floodplain landowners, Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (GRHA) has grown into a powerful coalition of more than 40 state, federal, and nonprofit partners dedicated to protecting the Confluence and its surrounding watersheds. What began as grassroots opposition to commercial development has evolved into a lasting commitment to safeguard wetlands, waterfowl habitat, clean water, agriculture and the region’s natural flood storage capacity. Through innovative public–private partnerships, GRHA is preserving the 100-year Confluence floodplain for future generations while maintaining its agricultural heritage, protecting vital wildlife habitat and ensuring resilient water systems. Their tireless advocacy and collaborative spirit continue to shape the future of conservation in Missouri and beyond.
This award goes to an organization focused on exceptional community and partnership building resulting in progressive changes in conservation programs.
Learn more about the National Lewis & Clark Conservation Awards
