Dr. Michael Soukup Receives Prestigious Conservation Award from Western National Parks Association

Thursday, March 21, 2024

On February 15, 2024, the Western National Parks Association (WNPA) unveiled the recipient of the esteemed Edward B. Danson Award: Dr. Michael Soukup. This accolade recognizes Dr. Soukup’s significant contributions to national parks, underscoring his impactful efforts within the field.

The Edward B. Danson Award honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding dedication to both the WNPA and the preservation of national parks. Edward B. Danson himself was a distinguished archaeologist renowned for his pivotal role in uncovering historical narratives and shaping the future of the Western landscape. His commitment to safeguarding the natural splendor of the Southwest and honoring the heritage of Arizona’s indigenous peoples left an indelible mark. Danson’s involvement extended to serving on the WNPA board of directors and the National Park System Advisory Board, earning him the prestigious Department of Interior Conservation Award in 1986.

“As we partner with the National Park Service (NPS) to support the future of our national parks, it is an honor to celebrate individuals who have shown extraordinary commitment to our mission and our parks,” said Marie Buck, president and chief executive officer of WNPA, which has been a nonprofit education partner of the NPS since 1938. “We congratulate Dr. Michael Soukup, and we proudly recognize his decades of effort and dedication to national parks.”

For numerous decades, Dr. Michael Soukup has committed his life to conservation efforts and fostering sustainable practices for the management of natural resources within the National Park Service (NPS). Renowned as one of the organization’s foremost leaders, Soukup has played a pivotal role in enhancing NPS staff’s comprehension of public perspectives regarding parks.

Collaborating with National Geographic, Soukup facilitated a groundbreaking initiative by securing a $10 million donation to execute ten significant BioBlitz events across various parks. Through this endeavor, hundreds of citizen scientists were empowered, engaging in transformative personal journeys that underscored the pivotal role parks occupy in both conservation and environmental education.

“With Mike’s vision guiding park stewardship, national parks became not only scenic vacation destinations but also revealed their values as natural laboratories, libraries, and classrooms where knowledge of nature can be discovered, measured, tested, and applied to resolve existential threats to the planet’s capacity to support humanity,” said Gary Davis, science advisor for the NPS. 

For over three decades, WNPA has honored remarkable individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions to national parks, public lands, and the overarching mission of WNPA itself. Dr. Soukup’s endeavors are intricately intertwined with the core missions of both WNPA and the NPS, fostering awareness and appreciation for the critical role these resources play in shaping the future of our planet. In recognition of his dedication, WNPA proudly presents Dr. Soukup with the prestigious Edward B. Danson Award.

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