CORPUS CHRISTI — Dr. Dale Rollins, San Angelo-based Extension wildlife specialist, was named Professional Conservationist of the Year by the Texas Outdoor Writers Association during its annual convention here Feb. 20-22.
Rollins was nominated simultaneously by the Mason wildlife writer Larry Hodge and Charley McTee of San Antonio, who recently passed away. Hodge said Rollins was nominated on his work with youth, specifically the Bobwhite Brigade and more recently Predators in the Classroom.
“Rollins likes to use what he calls silver bullets’ in his teaching,” said Hodge. “These silver bullets are generally famous quotes that concisely make a point. Through his work, Rollins is introducing a new generation to the outdoors that many of us thought were lost forever.”
The Bobwhite Brigade, now in its fifth year, uses lessons on bobwhite quail as a nucleus for teaching conservation to high school students. There are two such camps in Texas. Quail Unlimited also has adopted the concept as a model for its youth efforts nationwide.
Predators in the Classroom is a newly-introduced school enrichment curriculum aimed at fourth graders. The underlying goal is to interest youth in wildlife biology. The concept, now being piloted in San Angelo schools, will be available statewide this year and nationwide in 1998.
Hodge said, “Once it was known that Rollins’ name was on the ballot, nominations were closed. This was an unprecedented move, but it was decided that Dale’s nomination was so unique that it would be unfair to others to be run against him.”
To win, the candidate must be voted on by the membership. A total of 124 responded from the 200 members of the association, with only one voting against him.
“I’m not sure, but I think the one nay vote’ was Kay, Dale’s wife, who must have figured if he lost he wouldn’t be gone another weekend,” Hodge said.
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