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We at the bet365下载ios are excited to announce our 2024 Recovery Champions from the Midwest Region. Our 2024 Fish and Wildlife Service National Recovery Champions are Erik Runquist and Cale Nordmeyer from the Minnesota Zoo and our Regional Recovery Champion is Elizabeth McCloskey. Recovery Champions are bet365下载ios staff and their partners whose work is advancing the recovery of endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. Each year we recognize one individual or team at the national level and additional staff and partners at the Midwest regional level.
2024 External Partner National Recovery Champion Erik Runquist and Cale Nordmeyer
Erik Runquist and Cale Nordmeyer have worked tirelessly to establish a successful rearing and release program for endangered butterflies. Their program at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Minnesota works to recover the endangered Poweshiek skipperlings and threatened Dakota skipper. This program has resulted in significant milestones for these prairie butterflies and set a precedent for other butterfly recovery programs.
The work at Minnesota Zoo has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative conservation solutions. For example, Erik and Cale have established successful rearing and breeding facilities for the two butterfly species, something that had never been attempted before. Additionally, they oversaw the first reintroductions of these butterflies in the United States. As a result of these efforts, the Poweshiek skipperling has exhibited an astounding population increase from about 250 individuals in 2013 to approximately 1,500 in captivity and ready to release in the U.S. in 2025.
In addition to their technical contributions, Erik and Cale are also exemplary collaborators with both domestic and international partners. They generously offered their expertise in skipper and skipperling rearing to establish similar programs at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Manitoba and at the John Ball Zoo in Michigan. Furthermore, they have fostered close collaborations with private landowners and local, state and federal agencies to ensure the success of butterfly releases.
Erik and Cale鈥檚 leadership, professionalism and commitment to the implementation of sound science have been instrumental in fostering these highly successful conservation partnerships. The collaborative nature of Erik and Cale鈥檚 efforts serves as a model for partners in conservation throughout the Midwest and will continue to guide and inspire future recovery efforts for years to come.
2024 Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region Recovery Champion Elizabeth McCloskey
Over the last 50 years, Elizabeth 鈥淟iz鈥 McCloskey has served the American people as a quintessential conservationist, both professionally and as a private citizen. Throughout her extensive career in the Midwest Region, she championed conservation and recovery of rare habitats and endangered species.
Liz has been recognized by partners such as the Shirley Heinze Land Trust and Indiana DNR for her partnership, determination and advocacy of natural resources in northwest Indiana.
Her efforts resulted in the conservation of hundreds of acres of important habitat benefitting local parks and nature preserves, including McCloskey鈥檚 Burr Oak Savanna Nature Preserve named after Liz and her late husband, Hobart Marsh, Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve, Clark & Pine Nature Preserve, Springfield Fen Nature Preserve, the creation of Wintergreen Woods Nature Preserve, Brunswick, and mitigation areas along the Little Calumet River and at the Gary Airport.
Liz鈥檚 strong partnerships with the National Park Service, Indiana Division of Nature Preserves and other conservation groups helped conserve the Pitcher鈥檚 thistle, Karner blue butterfly and other species of concern. Her advocacy for conservation in northern Indiana from the Tippecanoe and Kankakee Rivers to the shores of Lake Michigan have resulted in protecting many listed species and globally rare habitats, such as dune and swale, fen, prairies and burr oak savanna. Liz鈥檚 dedication to ensuring these lasting protections leaves a conservation legacy for future generations to enjoy.
