1996 — Virginia Clagett
is a former Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Council  member and current Maryland State House delegate. She was instrumental in establishing Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary and saving this site from development.
Jug Bay Award
Bill Steiner (fourth from left), with his family — (left to right) Brad McLane, Amy McLane, Bette-Lynn Steiner, Linda Steiner, and Mike Ripley.
In 1996, the Friends initiated a conservation award to recognize an individual whose active involvement in the Jug Bay region has contributed to a better understanding and appreciation of this unique wetland ecosystem. The award is presented at the annual meeting in March.
2010 — Mike Quinlan
became a volunteer at the Sanctuary beginning in 1995. Since then,  he has participated in nearly every type of activity at JBWS and assisted with almost all research studies: Songbird population study, Marbled Salamander migration, Box Turtle population and home range, “Great Herp Search” and the “BioBlitzes.” Mike also served from 1999 to 2009 on the FOJB Board, including eight years as Treasurer. His thorough knowledge about natural history and his enthusiastic, organized approach have made him a natural teacher to both children and adults seeking outdoor adventures.
.2009 — Bill Steiner
He became a volunteer at the Sanctuary beginning in 1996. He was  involved in many facets of the Sanctuary’s operation from leading cleanup efforts, helping with construction and maintenance projects to leading canoe trips.  Bill served as the President of FOJB from 2002 to 2004, and played a critical role in the  integration of the Glendening Nature Preserve into the Sanctuary.
Mike Quinlan (left) processing box turtles at Jug Bay with Sandy Teliak.
2008 — Janet Owens
She is former County Executive of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. While in office and even after, she worked tirelessly for policies that were environmentally sound and beneficial to the future of the Sanctuary and the Patuxent River.
2007 — Fred Tutman
is the Patuxent Riverkeeper.  He is the guardian of the future for the precious resource that is the Patuxent River.  From his great-grandfather's farm in Prince George’s County, Tutman manages a movement that is long overdue. One person with one mission—to be a river spokesman.
2006 — Doug Kuzmiak
was President of the Friends of Jug Bay from 1996-2002. He won the State of Maryland Governor’s Award for Volunteerism and Service in 2002 after leading a drive that raised $50,000 for the interactive wetlands exhibit in the Sanctuary’s McCann Wetlands Study Center. He also secured funding for three interns for three years through a competitive grant from the Raush Foundation.  Doug was instrumental in the land purchase of the Parris N. Glendening preserve, a major addition to the Sanctuary holdings.
Doug Kuzmiak (right) and Bill Steiner
Fred Tutman accepting Jug Bay Award
Janet Owens speaking at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
2005 — Mary Kilbourne
is a long-time education naturalist at Patuxent River Park and member of the Patuxent River Commission. Her work included educating students as well as teachers about the value of wetlands and watersheds.  For many years, Mary volunteered her time to work with Sanctuary staff on goose and marsh ecology programs for students. With her Bay Savers group, she stopped an Exxon station from being built right on the shores of the Patuxent’s Western Branch, started a wetlands mitigation project within sight of our Wetlands Center, and more.
2004 — no award.
2003 — Carol Thompson
(formerly Carol Towle)
is a former Manager of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR) in Maryland and currently Coordinator of the Maryland Green School Awards. As Manager of CBNERR, she helped move many vital projects forward which benefited the Sanctuary. She also established public education programs on the value of planting submerged aquatic vegetation.

Carol Thompson (right) and Bill Steiner when she received the Jug Bay Award
2002 — John “Bud” Taylor
is a renowned wildlife artist, author and conservationist. He has inspired many to care about the future of the Chesapeake and its wildlife.

Bud Taylor unveils his oil painting of the marsh at Jug Bay; he painted it in honor of the 20th anniversary of Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
2000 — David Linthicum
is a U.S. Government cartographer and environmental activist. He made great contributions to the knowledge and presentation of the regions’ natural world. He spent countless hours mapping the Sanctuary and in creating the detailed “Mid-Patuxent Estuarine Ecosystem Map.” .
1999 — C. Bernard Fowler
is a former Maryland State Senator and County Commissioner from Calvert County, Maryland. Dr. Fowler worked tirelessly as an advocate to clean up the Patuxent River.
1998 — Greg Kearns
is a naturalist at Patuxent River Park on Jug Bay and a nationally renowned expert on the Sora Rail. Through his teaching and research he introduced thousands of people to the fascinating lives of marsh plants and animals.
1997 — Dennis Whigham
is an internationally recognized wetlands scientist associated with the Smithsonian Environment Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland. He dedicated many years to making the Sanctuary and FOJB a success through his scientific guidance, advice, and teaching.

Dave Linthicum at the Sanctuary's Wetlands Center
Former Senator Fowler addressing an audience at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
Greg Kearns (center) accepting award as the Maryland DNR Conservationist of the Year in 2006
Dennis Whigham at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
Representative Clagett addressing an audience at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary; Janet Owens is seated on the bench