Thank you letter from Gary Nelson,
Hagie recipient

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I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for presenting the Hagie Heritage Award to me. It is especially gratifying to receive this award from a conservation organization. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has worked diligently to protect so many natural areas in Iowa.

The Hagie Heritage Award was established by the Hagie Sisters in memory of their parents. The late Lawrence and Eula Hagie were dedicated conservationists who lived in Henry County. I am honored to receive this award in memory of their contribution to our natural environment. I eagerly look forward to working on natural resource projects upon my retirement from Des Moines Area Community College.

The sculptured acorn that I received is truly a work of art. I would like to thank Dennis and Linda Schlicht of Center Point, IA for donating the sculpture to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation award program. I have donated the $1,000 that I received as part of the Hagie Heritage Award to several charitable organizations. I would also like to thank Cathy Engstrom, INHF Director of Communications, and Linda Yang, INHF Intern, for organizing the reception for me at Des Moines Area Community College on August 11, 2006. Thanks again for this award.

Sincerely,

Gary Nelson

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.