Join us for the first of its kind… The Outdoor Heritage Hero Awards Celebration, recognizing the people who keep New Hampshire’s outdoor traditions alive. Indulge in seasonal desserts while honoring those who have made lasting contributions to the Granite State’s outdoors. This event will feature the presentation of four prestigious awards and a keynote address from renowned bear rehabilitator Ben Kilham, who will share powerful insights from his groundbreaking work caring for black bears across NH.
Four awards will be presented:
Charles & Rebecca Barry Outdoor Champions Award
The Foundation’s Highest Honor
Named in honor of Charles and Rebecca Barry, whose lifelong commitment to New Hampshire’s natural heritage and youth education helped establish Barry Conservation Camp, this award recognizes exceptional leadership, vision, and enduring impact in championing New Hampshire’s outdoor traditions.
2025 Award Recipient: Charles Barry
Helenette Silver Award
Honoring Outstanding Female Contributions to NH’s Outdoor Traditions
Celebrates a woman who has made lasting contributions to New Hampshire’s outdoor legacy. Named for Helenette Silver, a pioneer for women in conservation and wildlife education, this award honors leadership, advocacy, and inspiration in connecting people—especially women and youth—to the natural world.
2025 Award Recipient: Heidi Murphy
Educator of the Year Award
Celebrating Outstanding Outdoor Education
Presented to a teacher, mentor, or public educator who goes above and beyond to ignite curiosity and respect for the natural world, this award honors excellence in outdoor education. The recipient uses innovative, impactful methods to connect students and communities to wildlife, conservation, and traditional outdoor skills—shaping the next generation of outdoor stewards.
2025 Award Recipient: Jake Debow
Dr. James G. Paine Impact Award
Recognizing Leadership in Corporate Conservation Support
Honors a business or organization whose partnership has significantly advanced the Foundation’s mission. Through financial support, in-kind contributions, employee engagement, or shared initiatives, the recipient exemplifies a deep commitment to sustaining New Hampshire’s outdoor heritage and promoting values that align with our ethos of use and enjoyment of the great outdoors.
2025 Award Recipient: Russell Animal Hospital
Come enjoy dessert, refreshments, conversation, and outdoor inspiration while joining us in celebrating New Hampshire’s great outdoors—and don’t miss this chance to hear from Ben Kilham in person.
Reserve your seat today and help honor this year’s Outdoor Heritage Heroes. Tickets are limited.
Every ticket makes a difference: half goes toward making this event possible, and half supports NH Fish & Game projects that promote and protect New Hampshire’s wildlife, lands, and outdoor traditions.