Jackson, WY – On Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., Teton Science Schools (TSS) will gather at the iconic Murie Ranch to present the 16th Annual Murie Spirit of Conservation Awards. The free, public event will honor two distinguished leaders whose work has shaped conservation, education, and the health of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Honoring Nancy H. Shea, Ph.D.
Nancy H. Shea, Ph.D., will receive the 2026 Murie Spirit of Conservation Award. Shea is the founding dean of the Teton Science Schools Graduate Program and the founding director of The Murie Center. She also launched Tetons True Nature, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering environmental ethics. Through her leadership, Shea has prepared generations of educators and conservation professionals to forge meaningful connections between people, communities, and the natural world.
Honoring Arthur Middleton, Ph.D.
Arthur Middleton, Ph.D., will be presented with the 2026 Local Legend Award. Middleton serves as the G.R. and W.M. Goertz Professor of Wildlife Management at the University of California, Berkeley, where he co‑directs the Stone Center for Environmental Stewardship. His research focuses on wildlife migration and human‑wildlife coexistence across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the broader American West, deepening scientific understanding of wide‑ranging species and the landscapes they depend upon.
Why the Awards Matter
“Nancy and Arthur have each made extraordinary contributions to conservation in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond,” said Wayne Turner, executive director of Teton Science Schools. “Nancy’s leadership has shaped generations of educators and conservation leaders, while Arthur’s research has deepened our understanding of wildlife and the landscapes that sustain it. It is especially meaningful to honor them at the Murie Ranch, where the Murie legacy reminds us that lasting conservation depends on science, education, collaboration, and community.”
The Murie Spirit of Conservation Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to protecting wildlife and wild places. The Spirit of Conservation Award honors a lifetime of work grounded in conservation, civility, and community, while the Local Legend Award highlights extraordinary regional contributions.
Event Details
The ceremony will take place at the historic Murie Ranch, a site synonymous with pioneering conservation work. Attendance is limited, so RSVPs are required. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and the evening is intended for adult guests. Attendees are encouraged to dress in elevated mountain‑town attire, reflecting the event’s celebration of both tradition and the natural beauty of the region.
Looking Back
Last year’s awards honored the Honorable Rob Wallace, former assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, with the Murie Spirit of Conservation Award, and Amy Brennan McCarthy, CEO of the Teton Raptor Center, with the Local Legend Award. The tradition continues this year, underscoring Teton Science Schools’ commitment to celebrating those who advance the Murie legacy of stewardship.
Community members, educators, and conservation enthusiasts are invited to join the celebration and recognize the lasting impact of Shea’s and Middleton’s work on the region’s natural heritage.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
