Date: 9/29/26 7:25 am From: L H <harp0055...> Subject: [mou-net] Seeking Nominations for the 2026 MOU Annual Awards - due October 15th
Seeking Nominations for the 2026 MOU Annual Awards and Certificates of Appreciation
The Minnesota Ornithologists' Union’s Awards Committee is seeking nominations for MOU’s four annual awards <http://moumn.org/awards.html>to be presented at the MOU Paper Session in December. The awards serve to recognize individuals for their contributions to birds and birding.
To nominate someone for this year’s awards, please writea short description of the contributions which make your nominee* a candidate and submit your summary to the committee chair (<awards...>) by October 15th. Not sure how to write a nomination? Award presentations from 2010 and forward are available on our website <http://moumn.org/awards.html> for you to review, and the Awards and Recognition Committee is available to help as well – just email the chair with any questions you may have.
The MOU awards serve to recognize individuals who have volunteered their time for the good of birds and birders (Volunteer of the Year Award <https://moumn.org/awards_cahlander_99.php>), birders under the age of 25 whose involvementin birding and bird-related organizations stands out (Young Birder Award <https://moumn.org/awards_yb_99.php>), individuals who have had a special achievement in the field ornithology during the past year (Brother Theodore Voelker Award <https://moumn.org/awards_voelker_99.php>), or who have made outstanding contributions to Minnesota ornithology and birding in their lifetime (Thomas S. Roberts Award <https://moumn.org/awards_roberts_99.php>).
*Nominations are due by October 15^th *. If you need an extension or have any questions, please email the Awards Committee Chair Liz Harper at <awards...>
In addition to our annual awards, throughout the year the Committee recognizes individuals or businesses who have had a “rare” bird on their property and provided access to visiting birders (Certificates of Appreciation <https://moumn.org/awards_overview_99.php> ). To nominate someone for a Certificate of Appreciation, please send email the Awards Committee Chair (<awards...>).
The MOU thanks you in advance for your interest and willingness in providing nominations. Without your contributions, we are not able to give recognize the achievements of our fellow birders.
* Nominees do not have to be MOU members, but we do love it when they are able to attend the paper session so they can receive their awards.
