JC with his colleague Lindsey Landowski of the Endangered Springsnail Team at Bitter Lake NWR, New Mexico
The National Wildlife Refuge Association’s own Josiah “J.C.” Boothe was recently recognized with the Early Career Conservationist of the Year for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Southwest Region Award for his excellent work at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Roswell, New Mexico.
The award is presented to a current or recently graduated student within the award year who demonstrated passion for conservation, a high level of achievement in their studies, and a high degree of dedication and accomplishment in their work for USFWS.
Although J.C.’s work at Bitter Lake NWR encompasses everything from GIS mapping to conducting waterbird surveys his work in the recovery of federally listed endangered Roswell’s and Koster’s springsnails is very commendable.
The awards ceremony took place at the Historic Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque, New Mexico. J.C. was recognized for the Early Conservationist of the Year award, along with Brittany Chavarria for her work at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. J.C.’s team at Bitter Lake NWR was also recognized by being awarded the 2021 Region 2 Recovery Champion for the Bitter Lake NWR Endangered Springsnail Team.
JC receives his award, recognized by Martha Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
J.C. embodies the spirit of teamwork by helping out with any programs or refuge partners when asked. He is passionate about his work in the field of conservation and strives to add a variety of experiences to his background.
The endangered Koster's springsnail (Juturnia kosteri) is incredibly small and a great indicator of water quality | USFWS
His previous conservation work as a wildlife student through Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri and Perry Wetland Management Area in Kansas has prepared him well to step into a large role to keep the biology program running smoothly at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. His supervisor had no qualms trusting J.C. to complete his work independently, bring ideas to the table, and be a team player. His willingness to continue learning will serve him well as he moves forward in his career.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is honored to have J.C. on our team and happy to congratulate him on his Early Conservationist of the Year Award. We are proud of all he has been able to accomplish for endangered species in only a year’s time.