Ramsay awarded Brush of Excellence
Posted on April 30, 2026 at 10:02 AM by Joe Jayjack
Last Friday, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation awarded Richard “Dick” Ramsay the Brush of Excellence for his lifetime achievements in conservation and contributions to conserving Iowa's land and water. The ceremony was held at the bi-monthly meeting of the INHF board of directors, on which Ramsay has served since the organization was founded in 1979.
The award is a framed paintbrush that was once owned and used by famed cartoonist and conservation leader Jay N. “Ding” Darling (1876-1962), whose art and actions helped shape America's conservation ethic. The brush was given by Kip Koss, Darling's grandson, to Samuel Koltinsky, a documentarian of Darling’s legacy. Koltinsky presented the framed brush to INHF on May 19, 2015.
“Gifting of these brushes — 'The Brush of Excellence' — signifies extraordinary stewardship of the land and the wise use of our natural resources. It is with great honor to be able to present this brush in remembrance of both the Darling and Koss legacies,” Koltinsky said at the time.
Ramsay was instrumental in drafting INHF’s articles of incorporation and bylaws when the organization was founded with the help of Gov. Robert Ray in 1979. He was on the original 12-person board of directors, and for decades served as board secretary. Ramsay was chair of the board from 1999-2001.
Ramsay’s legal advice and long-term thinking have been a guiding force for INHF for decades. He has championed conservation projects across the state, especially around his beloved Big Spirit Lake in Dickinson County. Ramsay was a member of the “Bullrush Brigade” that drummed up community support for the protection of Angler’s Bay on Big Spirit, which INHF and the DNR worked to preserve in the early 2000s.
INHF has awarded the Brush of Excellence to deserving Iowa conservationists whose talents, persistence and excellence echo Ding Darling's legacy of inspiring conservation action. The award travels, presented on loan to the current honoree. Previous honorees were James and Patricia Dinsmore.
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