The John P. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award honors the memory of John P. Taylor, a wildlife refuge senior biologist whose energy, perseverance, and foresight to apply an experimental design to land and water management activities earned him national recognition and respect.

John, as a wildlife biologist for the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, became the first Land Management Research and Demonstration site biologist in the United States. He researched, pioneered and implemented innovative techniques for the conversion of salt cedar monocultures back to native vegetation. He fine-tuned the management of sandhill crane and other migratory bird populations and feeding resources to minimize damage to neighboring private croplands. In the process, he became an expert in the application of moist soil management techniques.

In the course of his work, John wrote journal articles, delivered talks to interested groups, gave tours, and participated in several film and documentary projects. He worked extensively and effectively with other refuges, with conservation organizations, land management agencies, and universities throughout the southwest and in Mexico. John Taylor was widely known and respected for his depth of expertise and unwavering commitment to habitat conservation and restoration.

In addition to John’s list of professional accomplishments, many people cherished his delightful combination of good humor, raw enthusiasm, and commitment to incorporating science into efforts to restore floodplain habitats. He was credited with being generous with his time – always willing to show the latest technique he was implementing on the refuge, or help a researcher with a project, and being able to interact comfortably with everyone involved in getting projects done, from heavy equipment operators, to PhD scientists, to agency administrators, to technicians and volunteers. John was considered by many to be a mentor, a source of inspiration, and a great friend. His work at the Bosque del Apache NWR and within the Middle Rio Grande will be experienced by all for generations to come. He made a huge difference on the ground and did it with enormous heart.

In honor of John Taylor and his lifelong achievements, the John P. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who has contributed significant time and energy to the restoration and protection of riparian ecosystems. This individual will have displayed a continued contribution toward research, environmental education, restoration efforts, and/or pioneered innovative techniques to further riparian protection and restoration through their work. The John P. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award will be given annually to this deserving individual by the New Mexico Riparian Council at its annual award ceremony.

For more information on John, please see the following web page:

http://www.fws.gov/bhg/John_Taylor.htm