Dr. John Loegering Receives Minnesota Award from the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society

"John Loegering is the person I look to when there is a wildlife issue that needs to be addressed. He has worked with academics, students, farmers, gardeners and policymakers on a wide range of wildlife topics. John brings a calm and professional approach, even when others do not, and he consistently delivers outstanding work."

Dr. John Loegering, Professor of Natural Resources at University of Minnesota Crookston, has been selected to receive the Minnesota Award from the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society. The award represents the chapter's highest honor and recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Minnesota's wildlife and natural resources.

Loegering was recognized during the chapter's annual awards banquet on Feb. 25, 2026. The Minnesota Award highlights a career of leadership, service and mentorship in the wildlife profession across the state.

Throughout his 26-year career at UMN Crookston, Loegering has helped prepare generations of students for careers in wildlife biology and natural resources management. His mentorship and commitment to student engagement have helped many graduates enter the profession and become active members of professional wildlife organizations.

"Dr. Loegering has shepherded a countless number of students preparing them to enter the field of natural resources through his work as a professor at UMN Crookston," said Jennifer Boucher, a UMN Crookston graduate. "He dedicates himself to his students and the profession, going above and beyond his required duties by hosting a very successful student chapter of The Wildlife Society. I personally attribute much of my success landing a professional job in this career path to his influence and introduction to The Wildlife Society."

The Wildlife Society (TWS) is an international non-profit scientific and educational organization founded in 1937, dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. It supports over 11,000 members - including biologists, managers, and students - by providing professional development, certification, networking, and science-based resources for sustainable wildlife management.

Loegering's impact also extends to the professional wildlife community. He has been a long-time leader and supporter of the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society and has received the chapter's Service to Chapter Award four times. At the national level, he received the Jim McDonough Award from The Wildlife Society, recognizing individuals who make significant contributions to the wildlife profession through active participation, program development and leadership. In 2019, Loegering was named a Fellow of The Wildlife Society, one of the organization's highest professional recognitions.

"John has been a constant when it comes to leadership and support for the Minnesota Chapter," said Daniel Svedarsky, professor emeritus at UMN Crookston. "He is recognized by fellow professionals as a solid contributor and a true professional."

Colleagues say Loegering is often the person others turn to for guidance on complex wildlife and natural resource issues.

"John Loegering is the person I look to when there is a wildlife issue that needs to be addressed," said John Moriarty, wildlife biologist and colleague. "He has worked with academics, students, farmers, gardeners and policymakers on a wide range of wildlife topics. John brings a calm and professional approach, even when others do not, and he consistently delivers outstanding work."

Loegering also serves as advisor to the UMN Crookston student chapter of The Wildlife Society. Twelve student members recently attended the joint annual meeting of the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society, American Fisheries Society and Society of American Foresters in Duluth. During the conference, students participated in workshops and attended oral and poster presentations covering current research and professional practices in natural resources management. They also met with Ed Arnett, the CEO of The Wildlife Society, and Sarah Strommen, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, to discuss natural resource management in Minnesota, and participated in a workshop focused on identifying more than 150 fish species found across the state.

In addition to the Minnesota Award, Loegering received the Excellence in Mentorship Award in 2024, recognizing his dedication to guiding and supporting students as they prepare for careers in natural resources and wildlife conservation.

Through his teaching, mentorship and professional leadership, Loegering continues to shape the next generation of wildlife professionals while contributing to the stewardship of Minnesota's natural resources.

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