Hagie Heritage Award Celebration for Dr. Russ Benedict
October 5, 2025, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (US Central)
Dr. Benedict has been selected by INHF as the 2025 Hagie Heritage Award recipient. The award recognizes Iowans who have demonstrated extraordinary personal service and commitment to improving the quality of Iowa’s natural environment, while encouraging others to do the same.
Since his career as Professor of Biology at Central College in Pella began in 2002, Dr. Benedict has inspired many students through his teachings, seeking opportunities in and out of the classroom to foster a conservation ethic in his pupils. From leading prairie restorations and seed harvests, to inviting the public out to inventory the local bat population, to launching programs that prevent bird window collisions or highlight the environment’s intersection with agriculture, Dr. Benedict exemplifies the spirit of the award.
“Conservation and education are not just what he does, but who he is,” said Kristin Siewert, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Central College and one of his nominators.
Please join us to help celebrate Dr. Benedict and his achievements! We’ll enjoy refreshments, remarks, and an optional hike through the prairie Dr. Benedict stewards. RSVP by 9.26.25 to Erica Place, eplace@inhf.org or 515-288-1846, ext. 26
Itinerary:
2-2:30: enjoy refreshments
2:30-2:45: remarks
2:45-3:45: optional prairie hike
3:45-4:00+: mingle and network
About the Hagie Award
The Hagie Heritage Award is given annually by Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to recognize Iowans who have demonstrated extraordinary personal service and commitment to improving the quality of Iowa’s natural environment and who encourage others to do the same.
