Local Wetland Hero, Karl Legler, Honored with Statewide Wetlands Award

Madison, WI – On Thursday, November 6, wetland enthusiasts from around Wisconsin will gather to recognize individuals whose work advances the protection, restoration, and enjoyment of Wisconsin’s wetlands at Wisconsin Wetlands Association’s (WWA) 2014 Annual Wetlands Awards Celebration.

Karl Legler of Sauk County will be presented with a 2014 Wetlands Award for his pioneering work advancing dragonfly and damselfly science and awareness. Legler is the author of “Dragonflies of Wisconsin,” a field guide to the identification of Wisconsin’s 115 species of skimmers, darners, emeralds, meadowhawks, and many other dragonfly varieties. Legler has led innumerable dragonfly and butterfly walks for the public over the years through the Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association, Madison Audubon Society, The Prairie Enthusiasts and many other organizations. He is a natural educator, and whether standing in front of a wetland with binoculars or in front of a room full of people, he is engaging and easy to understand.
“We know there are many wetland crusaders whose good deeds have not been adequately recognized,” says Tracy Hames, Executive Director for WWA. “Our Wetlands Awards are intended to help us thank a few of them and bring recognition to the wetland resources they promote as well.”

The Wetlands Awards Celebration will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum Visitor Center on November 6 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Tickets are available for this event for $40 and can be purchased by visiting WWA’s website http://wisconsinwetlands.org/awards.htm or calling 608-250-9971. The evening will also include a silent auction, buffet, desserts, and a cash bar.

Others being recognized for their achievements this year are Bob DuBois, Dan Collins & Nancy Aten, and Wisconsin County Code Administrators. Each of these 2014 Wetlands Awards recipients is being rewarded for their groundbreaking work in the area of wetland awareness, restoration, or protection.

“Wetlands play an important role in both the ecology and economy of Wisconsin. We hope that our Awards will help Wisconsinites appreciate and understand the value of our state’s wetland heritage, an important step toward ensuring protection for all of our wetlands,” Hames adds.

Wisconsin Wetlands Association (WWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, restoration and enjoyment of wetlands and associated ecosystems through science-based programs, education and advocacy. Its more than 1500 members include wetland experts, natural resource professionals, conservationists, hunters and anglers, educators, concerned citizens, and local and regional organizations. Visit WWA online at www.wisconsinwetlands.org.