2025 Conservation Awards

We are delighted to announce the 2025 winners of our annual Conservation Awards.

The Ken White Award is the Methow Conservancy’s longest-standing distinction, awarded to someone with a history of carrying forward conservationist Ken White’s love for the Methow Valley. Its namesake, Ken White, was often called “the Methow Valley’s most enthusiastic naturalist.” White was a self-taught conservationist with a passion for sharing his knowledge and love of the Methow Valley.

The 2025 Ken White Award recipient is awarded to Scott Fitkin. For many decades, Scott has played a critical role in standing up for the land and water that sustain our communities—both human and wild. He has inspired people of all ages through numerous educational programs that are both instructive and humorous. Scott has collaborated with the Conservancy to achieve numerous conservation successes in the Methow Valley, including an important section of wildlife habitat on the Sunny M Ranch.

Image: WDFW

Char Alkire is the 2025 recipient of the Susie Stephens Award for providing outstanding volunteer service to the Methow Conservancy’s efforts. Susie was a dedicated Methow Conservancy staff member who was tragically killed in an accident in 2002. Susie’s joyful enthusiasm encouraged others to get involved with the Methow Conservancy. Char has worked on behalf of the Methow Conservancy in many capacities, including as a former member of the Board of Directors, an Advisory Council member, a member of the Campaign for the Sunny M Ranch, and field work volunteer. Char is a connector and has helped introduce the organization to others who help elevate conservation work. She understands the role that wildlife plays in humans’ relationships with the land and is a tireless ambassador for conservation in the Methow Valley.

Fred Wert is awarded the 2025 You Inspire Us Award, for inspiring others to care for the land. Like Char, Fred has long been close to the Methow Conservancy as a former member of the Board of Directors and Advisory Council member. During his term as Board Treasurer, Fred helped design many of the systems that the organization uses to track its finances. Fred is a founding member of the Washington Wildlife Recreation Coalition and has provided vision and advocacy for Rails to Trails projects across the country, including the 285-mile Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.

“Conservation efforts in the Methow Valley are supported by so many people—and we are grateful for them all,” notes Methow Conservancy Executive Director Sarah Brooks. “One way we say thank you is to highlight the particularly inspiring efforts of a few long-time supporters each year – people like Char, Fred, and Scott. We celebrate them and their individual contributions and hope that by honoring them we also honor all who believe in our mission of inspiring people to care for the land.”

We express gratitude and admiration for Char, Fred, and Scott. Thank you for helping us carry out our mission.