The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) has created the Diana and David L. Moore Conservation Excellence Award, a new honor recognizing people whose life's work has helped shape a stronger future for forests, wildlife and the people who value them.
Established in 2026, the award is the organization's highest individual recognition. It celebrates more than a single achievement or project. Instead, it honors a lifetime of meaningful work, from restoring wildlife habitat and protecting open land to leading conservation efforts and inspiring others to carry that work forward.
Named for Diana and David L. Moore, the award reflects the values they have championed for decades: healthy forests, connected habitat, land stewardship and a lasting commitment to conservation. Through their leadership, philanthropy and advocacy, the Moores have supported forest and wildlife stewardship in ways that continue to benefit landscapes, people and communities.
The award recognizes individuals who embody those same ideals through long-term contributions to forest and upland habitat conservation, wildlife stewardship, organizational leadership and conservation ethics. In keeping with the award's purpose, recipients are chosen for the lasting difference they have made and their ability to inspire future generations of conservation leaders.
"At its heart, this award is about legacy," said Ben Jones, RGS & AWS CEO. "It recognizes the people who have spent a lifetime doing the often unglamorous, essential work of conservation – improving habitat, protecting land, building institutions and ensuring wildlife and wild places thrive for years to come."
The inaugural award was presented during the 2026 National Grouse & Woodcock Hunt, recognizing Wayne Jacobson, Bruce Ogle and David Sandstrom for their longstanding contributions to RGS & AWS and the broader conservation community.
As the award moves forward, it will stand as both a tribute to the Moores' extraordinary example and a celebration of the conservationists whose work continues to shape the future of healthy forests, abundant wildlife and responsible stewardship.
About the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society
RGS & AWS unites conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and ALL forest wildlife. We promote forest stewardship for our forests, our wildlife and our future. For more information, visit RuffedGrouseSociety.org.