Arkansas Master Naturalists were recognized in August 2025, by the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation (AGFF). During the 2025 AGFF Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet, held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, AMN received the Steve Smith Spirit of Giving Award. The banquet is an event drawing the state’s major players in conservation and outdoor recreation. Along with 3 persons that were inducted into the AGFF Hall of Fame, AMN was honored with this award for the work we do to “keep the natural state natural”. The crowd of 1700 persons were able to hear about who we are and the ways AMN provides education, outreach, and service to benefit our natural resources.

The Steve Smith Spirit of Giving Award was named for Steve Smith, an avid outdoorsman, who was named President of the AGFF in 1989. Steve worked tirelessly to promote the traditions of outdoor recreation statewide and was instrumental in the education of Arkansas young people in wildlife conservation. He was a driving force in the successful campaign in 1996 to pass a conservation sales tax that provides a permanent and solid funding for Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, State Parks, and other conservation organizations across the state. Following his death in 2017, his life efforts were acknowledged with the establishment of the Spirit of Giving Award given in his memory.

During the awards event, AMN board officers Reed Green and Dave Leisure accepted award on behalf of all Arkansas Master Naturalists statewide. Approximately 30 Master Naturalists, representing all 6 chapters, attended the event to witness the honor bestowed on our organization. Through a professionally produced video and individual conversations, the Master Naturalists attending the event were able to share our story, our mission, and invite others to join our volunteer efforts to preserve and conserve our natural resources. To be recognized by AGFF in this way, both affirms and validates the efforts of the 850 statewide volunteers, giving their time to provide education, outreach, and service through hands-on projects.
It was an honor to receive and accept the recognition of the AGFF for the fine work and many hours that Arkansas Master Naturalist volunteers contribute to the betterment of our state’s environment.