Greater White-fronted Geese—Photo: Bob Boekelheide

2026 Conservation Award and Career Achievement Award

Every year we recognize and thank people in our community who have made meaningful contributions to birds and their habitats. Each honoree has taken noteworthy actions to save, protect, teach, and advocate for the birds that live among us. Our Conservation Committee recommends recipients for these awards, which may go to individuals or organizations in our community.

Our 2026 Conservation Award was presented to Cindy Daily, Director of Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue, by Conservation Committee Co-Chairs, Bob Phreaner and Joyce Volmut at our June 17, 2026 meeting. Cindy and her staff were recognized for their responsive and professional care to wild birds in Clallam and Jefferson Counties.

*Bob Phreaner, Cindy Daily, and Joyce Volmut—‍Photo: Dee Renee Ericks*

2026 Career Achievement Award

In addition to the Conservation Award, OPAS awarded a special Career Achievement in Conservation to Shelly Ament. Shelly is a recently retired WDFW wildlife biologist whose 34‑year career exemplified dedicated conservation leadership across the Olympic Peninsula. Liam Antrim and Laura Davis, Co‑Leaders of the OPAS Swan Study team, presented her with this award.