Richard Emmons, Stamford, Conn.

Dick Emmons has helped create more than 1,000 new anglers in eight years as a volunteer certified fishing instructor with Connecticut Aquatic Resource Education. He helped modify the state-funded educational program with a handful of other volunteers, and emphasizes ethics in his free workshops. “We talk about selective harvest, the why of licenses, and taking out anything you bring in,” says Emmons. He also contacts every registrant individually, ensuring female siblings and moms are not excluded. “Fishing is a pathway to nature and an opportunity to engage the whole family.”

Rosendo Guerrero, Tacoma, Wash.

Guerrero recognized a need for action in 2009, when a large salmon run brought river tourism—and its leftover trash—to the Puyallup River. He has since led volunteers in the removal of 3 tons of garbage from the Puyallup, 4 tons from the Skykomish River, and nearly 5 tons from the Skagit. Guerrero also serves as conservation director for his local Trout Unlimited chapter. “We’re spreading the word to our youth to take care of rivers and streams for trout and salmon.”

Nelson and Lisa Beaver, Waynesboro, Pa.

In 2008, the Beavers saw an opportunity to turn a portion of their new farmland into a trout nursery and community fishing area. They planted trees and shrubs to restore the overgrazed fish habitat and began raising 7,000 trout each year, with help from the Antietam Watershed Association and Rouzerville Fish & Game Association. Their brookies have been recognized as some of the state’s largest. “To see so much progress in two years has been so rewarding,” says Nelson.