Hagie Award Winner 1997: Bill Horine

Posted on September 23, 1997 in Blog

Bill Horine of Nevada has been selected to receive the largest conservation award in Iowa. The Lawrence and Eula Hagie Heritage Award, which includes a $1,000 cash award, is given annually by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of Iowa's natural resources.

Mark Ackelson, president of the foundation, said, "Bill has been a leader and an inspiration for the current generation of conservationists, including myself. His generous and dedicated efforts will benefit Iowa for generations to come. The Hagie Heritage Award is our way of recognizing people like Bill who have worked hard to restore and protect Iowa's natural resources." One of those who nominated Horine described him this way: "A busy man with youthful enthusiasm, who stays busy through his intense love of the outdoors and a desire to share this love with others."

Horine, a retired mail carrier, became charmed by the beauty of Iowa's countryside when he delivered mail in the rural areas of the state. Six days a week he traveled the country roads, observing the beautiful Iowa landscape. Wanting to capture a minute piece of the splendor of Iowa's natural heritage, he photographed the images. He wrote articles promoting conservation and illustrated these stories with his photos of some of Iowa's most beautiful natural resources.

One of Horine's proudest moments was bringing to a vote whether or not to organize a county conservation board in Story County. After obtaining enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot, the people overwhelming voted in favor. Horine served on the board for 17 years. He has also served as a director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and on the Governor's Committee for Conservation of Outdoor Resources.

Involved in the field of communication for many years, Horine worked for KWOI radio in Ames in the 1950s, presenting an outdoor show. He moved to KRNT television in Des Moines in the 1960s for "Outdoor Talk," a regular feature on the station for 13 years.

The Hagie Heritage Award was established by Jan Shindel of DeWitt, Iowa, and Ila Jeanne Logan of Moville, Iowa, in honor of their parents, Lawrence and Eula Hagie.

Recent award winners include Buz Brenton of Des Moines, for his leadership in integrating natural resources with business; Sylvan Runkel of Des Moines, for his work in natural history interpretation for 60 years; and Steve Garst of Coon Rapids, for his service in restoring wetlands and wildlife habitat.