Stewart smiles at the MOWA Hall of Fame. Courtesy | Al Stewart

Al Stewart, director of the Nimrod Education Center, was inducted into the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association’s Hall of Fame for his work in game bird programs across the state.

The MOWA is an organization that works to conserve and preserve the state’s natural environment, as well as educate the public on the outdoors and how to best enjoy and care for it. In 2017, MOWA established the Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame to honor those who promote the outdoors and inspire others to do the same, according to their website.

“It wasn’t like I was campaigning for it,” Stewart said. “I was as surprised as anybody when the president of the organization contacted me.” T

om Huggler, who was inducted into the MOWA Hall of Fame in 2017, nominated Stewart.

“Al put in a half a century doing good things for wildlife and contribution in Michigan and his heart was always in it,” Huggler said. “This was a no-brainer for me, and it was kind of hiding in plain sight.”

Besides being inducted into the MOWA Hall of Fame, Stewart has also been recognized for his efforts on a state and national level. The Hillsdale College website reports that Stewart has been awarded the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award, the Henry S. Mosby Award from the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ Legacy Award.

“Here at Hillsdale, he’s had an enormous impact,” Morgan Morrison, director of outdoor programs at Hillsdale, said. “He has brought many people, new people and new organizations, alongside Hillsdale to support the mission here. It’s hard to overstate his impact in Michigan and here on campus.”