Tucson, Arizona - On November 2, 2017, Western National Parks Association (WNPA), a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service (NPS) since 1938, announced the recipients of its annual awards at the WNPA Board reception. For over 30 years, WNPA has recognized individuals and organizations who make exceptional contributions to national parks and generate widespread awareness of WNPA’s mission.
“We are delighted to recognize and honor these national park stewards who work diligently to preserve and protect national parks in the West and around the country and help make the parks a priority for all,” said James E. Cook, executive director of WNPA.
James E. Bradford, retired regional archaeologist, NPS Intermountain Region, received the Emil W. Haury Award for his longstanding dedication to archaeology in national parks. His 1992 archaeological survey of Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, a park of special importance to Bradford, is still the standard reference guide for the monument 25 years later. Bradford’s dedication to archaeology spans decades, from his time studying at Northern Arizona University to his six years of field experience excavating and surveying in Utah and New Mexico to his 38 years working for NPS. In addition to his work in terrestrial archaeology, Bradford completed over 1,150 dives to explore underwater archaeological sites as an archaeologist for NPS’s Submerged Resources Center. His contributions to the world of archaeology and NPS throughout his career are innumerable.
Arizona State Museum (ASM) at the University of Arizona, the oldest and largest museum of anthropology in the North American Southwest, received the Edward B. Danson Award for its part in a triumvirate partnership with WNPA and NPS. ASM is home to numerous important artifacts from national parks and archaeological sites around the Southwest. Since its inception over 100 years ago, ASM has worked with NPS to preserve and protect significant artifacts, including the Western Archeological and Conservation Center collection, a zooarchaeological collection on long-term loan from NPS. As a partner and supporter of WNPA, ASM has taken part in WNPA’s National Park Experience Pavilion at the annual Tucson Festival of Books, helping promote visits to national parks.
Dan and Susan Gottlieb, founders of The G2 Gallery in Venice, California, were awarded the Stewart L. Udall Award for their work delivering the beauty and importance of national parks to widespread audiences. The G2 Gallery showcases many of the world’s most noted and celebrated outdoor photographers, bringing attention to environmental issues and conservation through photographic exhibits. The Gallery also donates proceeds of art sales to environmental charities. Since its opening in March 2008, The G2 Gallery has provided $1.2 million in funds to more than 70 organizations, including WNPA, the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, NatureBridge, Yosemite Conservancy, and more. To celebrate the NPS centennial, The G2 Gallery held a four-part series of exhibits highlighting NPS sites in the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West, from the well-known to the lesser-visited.
About the Edward B. Danson Award
This award honors those who show exceptional support and loyalty to WNPA and national parks. The Danson Award was named for the noted archaeologist and director of the Museum of Northern Arizona (1956–1975). A former WNPA board member, he began his service in 1958. Danson was also awarded the Department of Interior Conservation Award in 1986 and served as a member of the National Park Service Advisory Board.
About the Emil W. Haury Award
This award honors outstanding contributions to scientific research in the national parks and monuments. The Haury Award was named for the noted anthropologist and archaeologist. In 1938, Haury was instrumental in founding the Southwest Monument Association, which was renamed Western National Parks Association in 2002. Haury served on the National Park Service Advisory Board in the 1960s.
About the Stewart L. Udall Award
This award honors those who work to support park interpretation programs, deliver the park message to popular audiences, or rally broad support for national parks. The Udall Award was named for the noted conservationist, Secretary of the Interior (1961–1969), and former WNPA board member (1984–1994). Udall awardees may include authors, poets, artists, photographers, writers, publishers, and others who are inspirational conservationists.
About WNPA: Western National Parks Association (WNPA) helps make the national park experience possible for everyone. As a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service, WNPA supports parks across the West, developing products, services, and programs that enrich the visitor experience. Since 1938, WNPA has worked to connect new generations to parks in meaningful ways, all with one simple goal: create advocates who want to preserve and protect these special places for everyone, for all time. Learn more at www.wnpa.org.