Ohio Bluebird Society Honors Longtime Conservationist

Don Plant recognized for decades of dedication to bird protection efforts in the state

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:03am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a bluebird perched on a wooden birdhouse, surrounded by a hazy, dreamlike background of soft, warm colors and gentle light, conceptually representing the peaceful coexistence of nature and community-driven conservation.A bluebird rests on a nesting box, a testament to the conservation efforts of dedicated volunteers like Don Plant.Ashland Today

The Ohio Bluebird Society held its annual conference in Ashland, Ohio, where longtime member and volunteer Don Plant was awarded the organization's highest honor, the Blue Feather Award, for his tireless work in bird conservation over the past 35 years. Plant maintained over 60 bluebird nest boxes on his property, led bird walks and hikes, and advocated for a variety of bird species including bobolinks, purple martins, orioles, and barn swallows.

Why it matters

The recognition of Don Plant's conservation efforts highlights the important role that dedicated volunteers play in protecting bird populations, especially as data shows a 70% reduction in overall bird numbers in the U.S. over the past 50 years. Plant's work to provide nesting habitats, food sources, and safe havens for a diverse array of bird species is crucial to reversing these declines at the local level.

The details

At the Ohio Bluebird Society's annual conference, speakers covered topics like owl species in Ohio, native plants that support pollinators and birds, and the challenges of managing bluebird trails. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Blue Feather Award, the organization's highest honor, to Don Plant, a charter member since 1987 who maintained 64 nest boxes on his property over 15 years. Plant was also recognized for his work with Bat Conservation International, his efforts to support bobolinks at Byers Woods, and his dedication to providing food and habitat for a variety of bird species including orioles, swallows, and hummingbirds.

  • The Ohio Bluebird Society Conference took place on March 7, 2026 in Ashland, Ohio.
  • Don Plant has been a member of the Ohio Bluebird Society since it was founded in 1987.

The players

Don Plant

A longtime member and volunteer of the Ohio Bluebird Society who was awarded the organization's highest honor, the Blue Feather Award, for his 35 years of dedication to bird conservation efforts in the state.

Diana Plant

Don Plant's wife, who is also a member of Bat Conservation International and has given programs on bats alongside her husband.

Ohio Bluebird Society

A nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds in Ohio, which held its annual conference where Don Plant was honored.

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What they’re saying

“Between 1970-2019, there has been a 70% reduction in the overall bird population.”

— Cornell Lab of Ornithology

What’s next

The Ohio Bluebird Society will continue its efforts to support and protect bird populations across the state, building on the legacy of volunteers like Don Plant.

The takeaway

The recognition of Don Plant's decades-long commitment to bird conservation in Ohio underscores the vital role that dedicated volunteers play in protecting vulnerable bird species and habitats at the local level, especially as national data shows alarming declines in overall bird populations.