George and Barbara Fell Award to Ed Collins
Photo credit Jill Kennay
The Natural Land Institute (NLI), an accredited conservation land trust, presented the George and Barbara Fell Award to Ed Collins at its annual dinner on March 20 at The Radisson Conference Center, in Rockford.
Named after NLI founder George B. Fell and his wife Barbara, the award recognizes significant achievements in land conservation in northern Illinois. Collins, who dedicated his career to preserving and restoring natural areas, retired recently as director of land preservation and natural resources for the McHenry County Conservation District after 38 years. He played a key role in restoring 25,000 acres of open space, re-meandering Nippersink Creek in Glacial Park, mapping regional oak loss and helping establish the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.
Collins, widely regarded as a leader in conservation, emphasized collaboration in his work. In his acceptance speech, he reflected on the impact of past conservationists and encouraged continued advocacy for nature.
“Sometimes all it takes to change the direction of things is the courage to stand up and speak for the land,” he said.
To read Collins’ full speech, visit the news section at NaturalLand.org.
