By Blake Jackson
Dr. James “Greg” Kuhns of Louisville has been named the 2026 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award recipient, recognizing his outstanding commitment to protecting soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and sustainable land management.
The honor includes a $10,000 award and was presented during the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention on July 28, 2026.
“For farmers, their number one asset is the land. It’s a given that because of this, some of the world’s best conservationists are farmers. This award is given to those who show great stewardship for our agricultural lands," Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said.
"Dr. Kuhns crafted the land ethics that were instilled in him at an early age into a lifelong passion. His dedication and forethought will inspire and help generations of farmers to come. Congratulations on an honor well deserved.”
The Leopold Conservation Award, presented by Sand County Foundation and American Farmland Trust in partnership with Kentucky organizations, honors landowners who demonstrate exceptional environmental stewardship.
“The Kentucky Agricultural Council is proud to once again partner in recognizing the exceptional stewardship and conservation work demonstrated by Dr. James Kuhns,” said Tod Griffin, Kentucky Agricultural Council Chairman. “
The winner of the 2026 Leopold Conservation Award represents a lifetime of work to promoting good stewardship in his woodland and farming operations; his is a true conservationist.”
“Kentucky’s 121 conservation districts promote the sound management of all our natural resources, and we are excited to join in recognizing the well-deserving Dr. James Kuhns,” said Ted Jessup, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts President.
“This year’s Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award recipient is truly a steward of the land, and his dedication to conservation is an inspiration to us all.”
Kuhns has spent decades improving his Bullitt County farm through responsible forestry, erosion control, water conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable cattle management. He has restored riparian buffers, controlled invasive plants, protected wildlife habitat, and helped establish the Knobs State Forest and Camp Crooked Creek.
Kuhns conservation efforts have also supported water quality improvements, pollinator habitats, and wildlife corridors, leaving a lasting environmental legacy for Kentucky’s agricultural and natural landscapes.
Photo Credit: sand-county-foundation
Categories: Kentucky, Business