The Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s outdoor education program, GOU, is being recognized for its work in introducing youth to the outdoors by the Memphis Conservation Through Art program.  Conservation Thorough Art is a weeklong celebration founded by ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited that aims to raise funds and awareness for wildlife conservation efforts, local arts groups and environmental education.  

This year, GOU has been selected to be a beneficiary of a portion of the funds raised through the Conservation Through Arts events.  Additionally, GOU has partnered with ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited to contribute to the schedule of events in Memphis.

The week kicks off with Family Day at Shelby Farms on Sunday, October 19.   Presented by Baptist Memorial Health Care and produced in partnership with GOU, the day’s activities will include fishing, arts and crafts, outdoor conservation and recreation games, outdoor performances and more.  The day is free and open to the public.  From hiking, live theater performances, duck decoy painting, as well as the Tennessee Jr. Duck Stamp Competition Exhibit, there will be something for the entire family to enjoy. 

On Tuesday, October 21, Richard Louv, author of national bestseller Last Child in the Woods, will speak at the Germantown Performing Arts Center.    Thanks to sponsorship by the Hyde Family Foundation, and GOU’s connection to the Forum on Children and Nature, this rare opportunity is available for the public to hear Mr. Louv share his insights into “Leave No Child Inside,” an initiative that is sweeping the nation to increase nature education among children and families.  The evening will be at the Germantown Performing Arts Center and is free and open to the public.   

On Thursday, October 23 Conservation Through Art will launch their artist centerpiece of the year, a fine art book:  First Shooting Light: A Photographic Journal Reveals the Legacy and Lure of Hunting Clubs in the Mississippi Flyway at a sponsors reception and exhibit.  The book provides an insider’s view of 19 hunting clubs in the Mississippi Flyway, and features historic interviews with club members and photographs by nationally renowned artist Murray Riss.  The book was published by ArtsMemphis.  

The week will conclude Saturday, October 25 with a Celebration Dinner honoring Allen Morgan and Henry Morgan.  These Memphian brothers, who share a love for life, the outdoors and the arts, are being recognized for the support they have lent to both the arts and wildlife conservation in Memphis, as well as nationwide. 

Tickets for the celebration dinner are available starting at $500 each.  Proceeds from both the dinner and the sale of the book, First Shooting Light, will go to fund programs designated by Conservation Through Art, including GOU. 

For more information on Conservation Through Art, the events or to how learn how to participate, visit www.artsmemphis.org/cta or call (901) 578-2787.