Each year, the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF) recognizes an individual or organization that has made outstanding achievements in land preservation, land stewardship, or of the understanding of natural habitats and or cultural heritage sites in our region. This year, JDCF is pleased to announce that Kay Weibel has received the 2026 Nancy Hamill Winter Conservation Leadership Award.

“Since 2014, Kay Weibel has served as chairperson of the JDCF Adult Education Committee. In this capacity, Kay has made outstanding contributions to a major JDCF priority, education and outreach. She has played a major role in developing and implementing more than 30 public programs in support of each year’s conservation theme. She was instrumental in developing topics, securing speakers, assisting in the presentations, preparing publicity, and coordinating these events. Many of these programs were also social events (sometimes potlucks) which helped attract new members and build a committed conservation community. Kay and her committee designed and implemented at least 3 programs each year,” said Joan Harmet, who nominated Kay for the award. Kay is a worthy recipient of this award, which will be presented at JDCF’s annual meeting on April 16, 2026.

The Nancy Hamill Winter Conservation Leadership Award is named after JDCF’s long-time board member and past Board President and Vice President, the late 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 northern Illinois.