Ainsworth named AWF boating educator of the year

Ainsworth named AWF boating educator of the year

Arkansas Wildlife Federation offers kudos West Memphis man for volunteer service

AWF Director Each year the AWF celebrates the accomplishments of remarkable individuals, like Ainsworth who have made a difference in protecting and enhancing Arkansas’ wildlife and wild places in the past year. Ainsworth has been a very committed and loyal instructor helping out the efforts of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Boating and Hunting Education mission for over ten years. He teaches his courses at the Angels Way Baptist Church in Marion and stating in a recent phone interview, “Their primary goal is to reach out to youth through an outdoor ministry for educating the young hunter and boating enthusiast.”

Ainsworth, along with other Arkansas conservation award recipients will be honored at the AWF awards banquet and auction scheduled for Aug.

13, at the James “Jitters” Morgan White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, White Hall, AR. Doors will open at 4 p.m., and dinner will begin at 6 p.m., with the conservation awards and live auction beginning about 6:30 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Seating is limited so attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online.

Ticket; $25 Individual or $40 for couples. For more information log onto www.ArWild.org or call 501-414-2845.

Each year one of the big draws is the auction that is scheduled to begin immediately after the awards ceremonies. In addition to the live auction for a single Arkansas youth elk tag, donated by the Arkansas Game & Fish, banquet attendees will have opportunities to bid on guided Arkansas duck hunts, hunting and outdoor gear, conservation artwork as well as silent auction items.

Founded in 1936, the AWF is Arkansas' largest and oldest private non profit conservation group.

As a non-profit 501 (c) 3 conservation organization its mission is to advocate for the sustainable use of Arkansas’ wildlife habitats and natural resources for future generations.

Other recipients to be recognized and honored at the banquet for their tireless dedication and advocacy of conservation in Arkansas include: Dardanelle resident Wayne Shewmake; AGFC biologist Ricky Chastain; Little Red River Foundation for their work in water conservation; Jeff Williams as Conservation Communicator; and Jim Taylor, CEO of Best Pallets as Corporate Conservationist of the Year.

From Jim Taylor