Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash has been honored for this conservation work in the park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash has been honored for his conservation work with the Walter T. Cox Award from the Clemson University Institute for Parks.  

The institute presents awards annually as part of the George B. Hartzog Awards Program to recognize individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership in the field of conservation. The Walter T. Cox Award recognizes park administrators who exemplify Dr. Cox’s distinguished career in education and public service. Superintendent Cash was one of five individuals recognized this year alongside other National and State Park leaders. 

“Leading staff in providing high quality services and protecting resources during the pandemic, coupled with an extreme rise in visitation, has been challenging,” said Superintendent Cash. “I’ve been inspired by our staff, partners, and communities as we work together to care for the park and to continue to welcome people to this space for rejuvenation and healing. It is an honor to be recognized for this work.” 

Others honored by the institute were:

• Joel Berger, world-renowned conservationist, author and wildlife conservation chair in the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University. Berger received the Benton H. Box Award, which recognizes a leader who works to preserve the natural environment and an educator who inspires in students the quest for knowledge and encourages curriculum innovation. Berger was recognized for his research, advocacy and leadership protecting wildlife and addressing climate change.
• Adam Beeco, program manager of policy, planning and compliance in the Natural Sounds and Night Skies (NSNSD) of the National Park Service (NPS), received the Dwight A. Holder Award. This award recognizes outstanding work by doctoral graduates from the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management and the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation.
• Marc J. Stern, professor in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation at Virginia Tech, received the William C. Everhart Award which recognizes sustained achievements that illuminate, provide creative insights and foster an appreciation of our natural and cultural heritage. Stern’s scientific work has and continues to improve interpretation and environmental education practice across the National Park Service and more broadly.
• Linda Lanterman, state parks director for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, received the Fran P. Mainella Award for sustained and innovative achievement by a woman in the management of North America’s natural, historic or cultural heritage. Lanterman formerly served as president of the National Association of State Park Directors and the National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers.

Curious about Dr. Berger's work? Listen to our interview with him.