The Earth Day Committee and Natural Resources Department of Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) is putting out an all-call for 2026 Conservationist of the Year nominees. The annual Conservation Award will be presented during the spring 2025 DCB Earth Day celebration on April 24th, 2026.

Dakota College at Bottineau has developed a Nature, Technology, and Beyond focus which grew from its founding mission in 1906 of providing educational programming for students choosing a career that promotes care and concern for the environment. This focus is uniquely expressed in the college’s original mission that prescribes practical and efficient training in forestry, horticulture, agriculture, nursery, and greenhouse practices, advocating for a trained eye to observe and a skilled hand to execute. Carried through today’s values, remaining student-focused and community-centered.

The DCB Conservation Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and made notable contributions to the conservation, preservation, and enhancement of precious natural resources or to the education of such principles to instill a passion in the next generation. This person exceptionally contributes to the development, promotion, and implementation of projects and activities, making a significant impact on the common good. Through their efforts, this individual inspires and leads the way toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

There were two award recipients in 2025. The first recipient was Angie Bartholomay, whose work in Environmental Education was a national model for others to follow. As a retired professor from Dakota College, Angie worked tirelessly to share the knowledge of environmental ethics and practice with her fellow educators as well as thousands of youth and young adults throughout the state.  Angie inspired a love of the environment and inspired many of her students to engage in careers in natural resources. The second recipient was Monica Yoder, who received the Young Conservatist Award. Monica, whose volunteerism in the realm of natural resources was impressive, graduated with an AS in Natural Resources and her AAS in Wildlife and Fisheries Tech.

Nominations may be made by contacting Michelle Cauley at 701-228-5498 or michelle.cauley@dakotacollege.edu.

The nomination deadline is Friday, March 6, 2025.