Blue Ridge Conservancy Honors Michael and Michelle Leonard with the Stanback Conservation Leadership Award
Blowing Rock, NC -
On October 10, against the stunning backdrop of the mountains at sunset, Blue Ridge Conservancy presented Michelle and R. Michael Leonard the second-ever Stanback Conservation Leadership Award at an intimate ceremony at Gideon Ridge Inn. This award is named for Fred and Alice Stanback, premiere conservationists in North Carolina and the Southeast. The inaugural honor was given to John and Faye Cooper in 2017 for their efforts to preserve the historic cultural landscape of Valle Crucis.
“The Leonards are truly the “First Family” of land conservation in North Carolina,” says Charlie Brady, Blue Ridge Conservancy’s Executive Director. “We honor their past accomplishments and successes with this award, but we are particularly excited about the future impact they will have throughout North Carolina and beyond.”
Faye and John Cooper, recipients of the inaugural Stanback Conservation Leadership Award, presented the award to the Leonards at a ceremony at Gideon Ridge Inn.
Environmental advocates separately and as a team, the Leonards have built a life focused on conserving the land and water resources of North Carolina and the Southeast. Michelle helped found High Country Conservancy, and was a leader during the merger process to create Blue Ridge Conservancy in 2010. She spearheads multiple conservation efforts and has served on several state and regional environmental boards. She currently serves on the board of Muddy Sneakers and Audubon North Carolina. Mike is a longtime volunteer, attorney, and advocate for land preservation projects in North Carolina and Alabama. Their decades of tireless work for environmental causes have created substantial, sustained positive change in the state’s conservation landscape.
BRC Executive Director Charlie Brady made comments to the group before the award presentation.
The impact the Leonards have made in the High Country is extraordinary, including the following conservation and historic preservation projects:
Junaluska Natural Area
Valle Crucis Historic District
Blue Ridge Parkway
Grandfather Mountain
Bear Paw State Natural Area
Thanks to the Leonards and the Coopers for their continuing conservation work in the High Country. And thanks to the Stanbacks, whose support has transformed the ability of many land trusts, including BRC, to forever protect treasured environmental resources. They inspire others to be bold leaders in the protection of places we love, and The Stanback Conservation Leadership Award honors this legacy.
The Leonards, surrounded by friends and family who attended the event.