Celebrating Conservation: Larimer and Grant Receive Honors

The Lodi Sandhill Crane Association is gearing up to recognize two outstanding individuals in wildlife conservation: Howard Larimer and Kathy Grant. Both will be awarded the prestigious Jay Bell Conservation Award for their unwavering dedication to preserving wildlife and educating the community.

Honoring Dedicated Volunteers

The awards ceremony will take place at the Crane Festival's Homecoming Banquet on November 6th at Hutchins Street Square, starting at 6 p.m. This annual event celebrates local heroes who have made significant contributions to wildlife conservation and habitat protection.

A Legacy of Leadership: Howard Larimer

Howard Larimer has been a vital part of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association for the past decade. He has taken a leading role in organizing the festival's tour program and has served on the board of directors. His passion for Sandhill cranes extends beyond the festival, as he contributes to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as a lead docent in their Sandhill Crane Tour program. Each year, Howard helps connect numerous visitors to these magnificent birds in the Lodi area.

Outside of the Crane Association, Howard is also actively engaged at the Cosumnes River Preserve, often up before dawn to count cranes as they greet the day on Staten Island.

A biology graduate from Humboldt State University, Larimer has an impressive background. After his time in the U.S. Army, he obtained his teaching credential from California State University, Fresno, and worked in the Fresno and Clovis school districts. In addition, he served as a science specialist at Fresno State, providing training for science teachers. Before he retired to Woodbridge, he was an elementary school principal in the Fresno Unified School District.

Howard’s late wife, Alison, was also a dedicated volunteer at the Crane Festival. After meeting Pam while organizing crane tours, they quickly bonded over their shared love of camping and exploring. They are excited to spend time this winter studying the coastal Sandhill cranes in Washington.

Kathy Grant's Impact on Local Education

Equally dedicated to wildlife conservation and environmental education is Kathy Grant. She has been instrumental in connecting generations of students to the Mokelumne River watershed and its surrounding ecosystems.

Originally from the East Coast, Grant moved to Lodi after earning a degree in environmental design from the University of California, Davis. Her journey in conservation began as a docent at the Lodi Lake Nature Area, where she later took on the role of coordinator. This experience eventually paved the way for her contributions to the Crane Festival since its inception in 1997.

Kathy continues to coordinate the festival's student art exhibition, fostering a love for watershed conservation among thousands of local students. As the City of Lodi's watershed program coordinator, she launched the Watershed Education Program and the innovative Storm Drain Detectives initiative. This program engages students in monitoring the Mokelumne River's health through regular water testing.

Her extensive work includes producing educational videos, articles, and organizing community speakers. Kathy also spearheaded the Mokelumne Current, an annual newspaper created by students focused on local watershed issues.

In collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, she has contributed to the Classroom Aquarium — Salmon in the Classroom program, bridging classroom learning with environmental stewardship. Additionally, Kathy has played a key role as a docent for Sandhill crane tours at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve.

Furthermore, Kathy coordinates meetings for the Lower Mokelumne River Watershed Stewardship Steering Committee, a collaborative group dedicated to protecting the watershed and supporting local wildlife and habitats.

Join the Celebration at the Crane Festival

The Crane Festival will be held from November 6 to 8 at Hutchins Street Square. This event promises an engaging lineup of activities, including crane tours, educational exhibits, and the much-anticipated Homecoming Banquet. To learn more about the festival, the awards, and to purchase tickets, visit www.lodisandhillcrane.org.