Publication Date: Fall 2025

By Carrol L. Henderson

One struggles to adequately describe the enormity of Carrol Henderson’s contributions to wildlife conservation, wildlife awareness, and species recovery; and while Minnesota has been the canvas upon which Carrol’s art of action has come to life, the impacts of his contributions have and will continue to be felt across the hemisphere.

“As the National Audubon Society’s Chief Conservation Officer, I have been blessed to work alongside many amazing conservation, community, and business leaders, ever since one faithful morning where I found myself enthralled by the booming, dancing mating ritual of the Greater Prairie Chicken: my spark bird.

“Upon arriving in Minnesota as a teenager, I quickly noted two endearing traits seemingly inherent to the state: The goodness of the people, and their passion for wildlife and the outdoors. Minnesota is a state defined by its natural beauty and iconic species such as the Common Loon, Northern Cardinal and Trumpeter Swan, to name but a few. Equally so, the people of the state embody a sense of care, innovation, excellence, diversity, and a desire to generally leave something better than one found it.  These are almost a prerequisite for citizenship.”

Perhaps no leader embodies these traits as profoundly as Carrol Henderson.