The Conservancy of Southwest Florida presented its highest honor, the Eagle Award, during the organization’s 62nd Annual Member Meeting, recognizing three individuals whose leadership and service have significantly advanced conservation efforts in Southwest Florida.
The Eagle Award is selected annually through a rigorous review process led by former board chairs, with input from staff and leadership, and honors individuals who exemplify the grassroots strength and mission of the Conservancy.
Jon Kukk, a current member of the Conservancy’s Board of Directors, is recognized for more than a decade of leadership through RedSnook and his broader contributions to the organization. A Naples-based architect, Kukk brought strategic insight and professional expertise to key campus expansion projects, including serving as a trusted owner’s representative with the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience.
Wayne Meland is honored for his extraordinary leadership and long-term impact on the RedSnook Catch & Release Charity Fishing Tournament. In addition to serving two full board terms, Meland chaired RedSnook for 15 years, acted as a key sponsor, and served as one of the primary strategists behind the tournament’s sustained success, raising nearly $2.5 million to date. His leadership was instrumental in expanding outreach within the angling community and establishing RedSnook as a conservation-focused event.
Susan Snyder received the Eagle Award for more than 26 years of dedicated volunteer service. Previously honored with the Conservancy’s Volunteer Award in 2018, Snyder is recognized for her involvement in assisting the science department and managing protected habitats on campus, where she has identified 1,300 species, including never-before-identified insects.
View the video highlighting the accomplishments and support of our Eagle Award winners here.
The Annual Member Meeting also included board leadership updates. The Conservancy recognized retiring board members Stefan Bothe, Barry Frank, and Nick Penniman for their years of service and leadership. New members elected include Ken Cole, Robin McClanathan, Ric Phillips, and Dave Tolmie to four-year terms on the Board of Directors, and renewing members Linda Grijalva and Roger Weston for an additional term, in accordance with the Conservancy’s governance and term-limit structure.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit environmental organization that has protected water, land and wildlife in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties for more than 60 years. Through environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation, the Conservancy safeguards Southwest Florida’s natural resources for future generations.
Headquartered in Naples, Florida, the Conservancy is home to Collier County’s only native wildlife hospital and its vibrant Nature Center. Currently open to visitors, the Nature Center is undergoing a major transformation into a new, impactful community offering—the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, set to open in early 2028. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a gateway to conservation, offering immersive exhibits, hands-on learning and expanded programs to inspire environmental stewardship and enhance the region’s quality of life.
Learn more and support Southwest Florida’s environmental future at conservancy.org.
Media Inquiries
Reneé Stoll, Conservancy of Southwest Florida Director of Communications and Marketing, (239) 430-2460, renees@conservancy.org