Chehaw’s Ben Kirkland was presented the Jim Fowler Environmental Award Saturday, Aug. 3. Kirkland received the award for his exceptional service and commitment to preserving the natural world.

Kirkland currently serves as Chehaw’s Natural Resources Manager, where he takes great pride in caring for the Park’s natural resources. He has developed a comprehensive forest stewardship plan for Chehaw which includes a prescribed fire plan, timber harvests, managing native flora and fauna, eradicating exotic invasive species, insects and disease, and managing wildlife populations on the Park. Kirkland has worked at Chehaw since 1986 when he started as the Park Ranger. His title then changed in the 90s to Ranger/Chief Naturalist, and then to his current title of Natural Resources Manager. His myriad of responsibilities have included forest management, wildlife management, campground, playgrounds, picnic grounds, boat dock, fish pond, security, and operating Ticket Booth, Gift Shop, and Concessions.

He has also served as organizer of the Native American Festival, Frontier Festival, and Traditional Skills Gathering. Chehaw was awarded the prestigious Forest Stewardship Award thanks to his painstaking care of its natural resources. He has also been named Hunter Safety Instructor of the year. Kirkland holds a AS in Wildlife Technology from ABAC, AS in Forest Technology from ABAC, Certificate in Prescribed Burning from Auburn, is an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist, Georgia Forestry Commission Certified Prescribed Burn Manager, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Certified Hunter Education Instructor, and past facilitator in Project Wild, Project Learning Tree, and Project Wet.

Previous recipient, Don Dally, nominated Kirkland for the prestigious award. Dally commended his forestry management skills and perseverance in overcoming a multitude of natural disasters over the past several years. He also praised his over 30 years of educating children and adults across the state in the importance of history and preserving the natural world.
 
The award was initially created in 2009 and features the sculpture “Windblown Tree” by artist Derek Taylor. The award is currently displayed at the Creekside Center at Chehaw. Previous recipients include Jim Fowler and Don Dally.