We’re thrilled to share the news that Chewonki Former President Don Hudson has received the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s 2026 Conservation Leadership Award for Lifetime Achievement.
This well-deserved honor recognizes decades of work Don has done to protect Maine land for future generations. His efforts touched many special places, including the Penobscot River Restoration Project and helping create the International Appalachian Trail.
Don traced his journey back to Chewonki, where he worked from 1966 to 2010, with the exception of a short break for graduate school. “I went to camp every day, and that’s hard to beat,” he noted.
Developing programs, teaching, hiking, and paddling deepened his love of natural science and shaped his understanding of relationships between people and land, as well as his passion for advocacy.
On awards evening, another Chewonki connection emerged. While NRCM Lifetime Achievement recipients lined up for a photo, Rob Tod of Allagash Brewing Company told Don he had come to Chewonki as a Fenn School student. They soon discovered that Rob’s teacher was Don’s brother, Dave. Full Chewonki circle moment!
Congrats, Don. We’re grateful for the care, curiosity, and commitment you’ve brought to Chewonki and so many of Maine’s treasured places.
