JDCF is accepting nominations for the Nancy Hamill Winter Conservation Leadership Award, which will be presented at our annual meeting on April 16, 2026. An individual, organization, governmental entity, educational institution, or business that has demonstrated creativity and/or leadership in the preservation, restoration, or stewardship of natural areas and/or Native American cultural resources, or has a strong history of promoting an understanding of the natural world in northwest Illinois, particularly Jo Daviess County, is eligible. Priority will be given to nominees with distinguished lifetime accomplishments and impact made in the service area of JDCF. Our Executive Committee seeks nominations annually beginning in December and uses the above criteria to make its selection in January. Nominations are due by December 31st, 2025. Current JDCF staff and board members are not eligible. The nomination form is here: NHW Award Nomination Form 2025.

The Nancy Hamill Winter Conservation Leadership Award is named after JDCF’s long-time board member and past Board President and Vice President, Nancy Hamill Winter. Formerly a Stockton resident, Nancy dedicated much of her adult life to the preservation and care of natural habitats and the Native American cultural heritage of northwestern Illinois.