WNP awards

Before Starting a Nomination

• Review the award descriptions and eligibility requirements.
• Review samples of the online nomination forms which include uploads and file naming
  conventions.
  • Haury Lifetime Achievement Award Sample Nomination Form
  • Danson Award Sample Nomination Form
  • Udall Award Sample Nomination Form
• Consider self-nominations or nominations of others who meet the award criteria.
• Gather nominee contact information.
• Prepare supporting documents, curriculum vitae (CV)/resume recommended but optional.
• Consider uploading additional supporting materials (max 5 pages).

Tips for Strong Nominations

• Be specific about achievements and measurable impacts.
• Include concrete examples of the nominee’s contributions.
• For the Haury Award: Focus on career-long impact rather than single achievements.
• Highlight connections to national parks, monuments, historical sites, etc.
• Include a CV/resume and any relevant supporting documentation when possible.

Submissions

• All nominations must be completed through the WNP website.
• Information supplied is limited to the space provided and submitted on the electronic form.
• Nominations received in any other format will not be accepted.
• If you do not have access to a computer and would like to submit a nomination, contact us.

Submit a Haury Award nomination

Submit a Danson Award nomination

Submit a Udall Award nomination

Selection Process and Timeline

• Program criteria has been established by WNP.
• Nominations will be reviewed and scored by a committee comprising WNP board members
  and/or the executive leadership team.
• WNP values and respects all individuals. The selection process ensures fair consideration and
  equal opportunity for all nominees.

Submissions Open: October 1, 2025

Deadline: December 31, 2025, end of day

Recipients Notified: Week of February 16, 2026

Questions

Please contact us  with any questions regarding this program.

Haury Award Eligibility and Requirements

Eligibility

Individuals who have demonstrated a continuous commitment and contribution to scholarly research in national parks and monuments leading to measurable, long-term, and noteworthy impact with sustained results over a career or lifetime.

Nominees must have displayed a clear personal commitment to the management, preservation, and interpretation of national parks and monuments and to turning research findings into relevant, engaging narratives that both inform and engage the public. The nominee’s contribution should be substantial enough to have influenced a particular field by sharing new research findings, new interpretations, or new theoretical analysis to advance a society’s knowledge or understanding of the subject.

Requirements

The nominee’s body of work must be:

• Deemed exceptional in scholarly research over the course of a career or lifetime.
• Significant in its unique or innovative findings, theoretical constructs, inclusive mentorship, educational approaches, or practices and/or has made exceptional practical application(s) of others’ research.
• Represented by a single highly significant book, or a minimum of five publications as primary author in refereed academic journals, or a minimum of eight publications as a secondary author in refereed academic journals, or significant contributions as a presenter at professional conferences, or any combination thereof.

The Emil W. Haury Award is a one-time lifetime achievement award.

Danson Award Eligibility

Current and former National Park Service staff, educators, researchers, museum professionals, cultural heritage specialists, volunteers, donors, advocates, and others who display exceptional support for WNP and national parks through activities such as:

• Providing dedicated service, advocacy, or partnership development
• Leading educational initiatives or volunteer programs
• Contributing significant resources, expertise, or time to park operations
• Conducting research or developing cultural interpretation that advances understanding of park resources
• Building community connections and support for park missions
• Advancing park protection through policy work, fundraising, or public engagement

Udall Award Eligibility

Authors, poets, artists, photographers, writers, publishers, interpreters, media professionals, policy advocates, and other inspirational conservationists who enhance park interpretation programs, engaging audiences with park messages, or build broad public support for parks through activities such as:

• Creating educational content, exhibits, or programs that help visitors understand and connect with parks
• Producing documentaries, books, articles, or other media that showcase parks to varied audiences
• Developing innovative interpretation techniques or technologies that improve visitor experiences
• Leading advocacy efforts that build public support for park protection and funding
• Engaging more communities and expanding park access through outreach programs
• Using social media, art, or other platforms to inspire park appreciation and stewardship