The Georgia Conservancy is excited to honor Hawkinsville, Georgia forester Dr. Johnny Bembry with The Distinguished Conservationist Award at its virtual gala, ecoBenefête, on November 19. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made a significant difference in the protection of Georgia’s natural resources. Last year, the Georgia Conservancy recognized Former President Jimmy Carter with the award.

Dr. Bembry, a sixth-generation Pulaski County-native and former Georgia Conservancy board member, has spent decades restoring wildlife habitat on his family farm through the sustainable management of longleaf pine forests and the protection of vital wetlands through conservation easements. This conservation ethic has gone well-beyond his own lands in Hawkinsville, as Dr. Bembry has served on the Georgia Land Conservation Council, the Middle Ocmulgee Regional Water Planning Council, the Board of Directors of the Georgia Forestry Foundation, and the Executive Committee of the Georgia Forestry Association. He has been named Southeast Regional Tree Farmer of the Year by the American Tree Farm System.

“A Georgian through and through, Dr. Bembry has proven himself to be a tireless champion of our state’s land and water resources,” says Katherine Moore, Georgia Conservancy President. “His dedication to advancing sustainable forestry practices and promoting the use of conservation easements has helped to establish a model for the conservation of private working lands in our state. Additionally, Dr. Bembry’s outspoken support for the establishment of a National Park and Preserve along the Ocmulgee River corridor has been vital to the continued success of this growing initiative.”

In addition to honoring Dr. Bembry with the Distinguished Conservationist Award at ecoBenefête, the Georgia Conservancy will present Brionté McCorkle, Executive Director of Georgia Conservation Voters, with the Longleaf Award, which is given annually by the Georgia Conservancy’s Generation Green board and recognizes the outstanding work of an emerging environmental or sustainability leader in metro Atlanta. Also being recognized on its 50th Anniversary is the legacy of Georgia’s Coastal Marshlands Protection Act, which has proven to be critical in the protection of the coastal ecosystem that we enjoy today.

A fun and informative evening, ecoBenefête includes a silent auction with an array of specially curated items including art, outings, and unique experiences, all benefitting our work to protect Georgia’s natural resources, now and forever.

Learn more about ecoBenefête and register today at www.georgiaconservancy.org/ecobenefete