Recipient of the 2024 Dr. Fern Duvall Conservation and Collaboration Award
Jason Vercelli, Wildlife Biologist with the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources - Division of Forestry and Wildlife
We are pleased to announce that Jason Vercelli, Wildlife Biologist with the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has been selected for the 2024 Dr. Fern Duvall Conservation and Collaboration Award.
Jason was nominated for his dedication to the Kawaiʻele Wildlife Sanctuary & Mānā Wetland on West Kauaʻi, his wetland expertise, and his contributions to outreach, wetland management and predator control. In his 16 years working at the sanctuary, he has helped restore the 34-acre Kawaiʻele wetland and established 50 additional acres of wetland next to it, which has already proved valuable to not only endangered waterbirds, but a myriad of migratory birds. The Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture (Pacific Birds) review committee agreed that these accomplishments embody what we wish to celebrate in the conservation community and reflect Fern’s spirit.
This award was started by Pacific Birds in memory of Dr. Fern Duvall, to honor his incredible legacy. Fern helped shape Pacific Birds’ conservation efforts in Hawaiʻi and was a generous mentor, gentle leader, and a trusted guide, particularly to young conservationists. The award recognizes the conservation efforts of individuals who embody the innovative, inclusive, humble, and collaborative spirit that Fern brought to conservation endeavors.
Jason is a committed conservationist, focused on restoring wetlands and sharing their value to people, native waterbirds and their habitat, and much more. Throughout his work, Jason has brought in thousands of volunteers, students, and interns to work at and learn about what makes Kawaiʻele and Mānā wetlands unique. He also leads Kauaʻi DOFAW’s Rapid Response for Brown Tree Snakes and Mongoose. Join us in congratulating Jason for this well-deserved honor.
