Ken and Marcia Polhamus, Galena, Ill.

As co-coordinators of the Illinois National Wild Turkey Federation’s JAKES program for eight years, the Polhamuses plan and manage five weeks of hunts that introduce 25 first-time turkey hunters to the sport each season. During each three-day hunt, they serve as hosts, cooks, scouts, instructors, and groundskeepers. “It’s about more than just getting their first bird,” says Marcia. “It’s about the spirit of being together—parents and kids.” The couple also organizes an annual day of shooting and archery demonstrations, and enrolled record numbers in their chapter’s recent Women in the Outdoors workshop.

Steve Clark, Phoenix, Ariz.

Since 2005, Clark has led Arizona Elk Society volunteers in removing 50 miles of unnecessary barbwire fencing and repairing an additional 50 miles of wildlife-friendly exclosure fencing around riparian areas. “We’re elk fence experts, but our work also promotes better habitat for Arizona’s threatened Apache trout,” says Clark. He also helped to facilitate the retirement of 24,000 acres of cattle grazing pastures in some of the state’s best elk habitat.

Don Pluemer, Montfort, Wis.

In 10 years, Pluemer has led the Harry and Laura Nohr chapter of Wisconsin Trout Unlimited in executing more than $1 million worth of restoration efforts on 12 miles of the Blue River and its tributaries. He works with landowners, contractors, volunteers, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service year-round to get access and funding. “Thanks to our partners and the community,” Pluemer says, “data shows a definite improvement in trout reproduction.”