The James Chase Hambleton Award, previously know as the Columbus Audubon Conservation Award, was established in 2008. This award recognizes outstanding contributions by members or non-members who promote CA’s mission, particularly in the areas of conservation and education. This award is not given every year.
James Chase Hambleton was Columbus Audubon’s first, founding, and longest serving president (1913-1928 & 1935). However, much of his life work promoted CA’s mission before he was a chapter member. Hambleton was a science teacher and supervisor of nature study in our elementary schools. He led many field trips and was among the top naturalists in the state of Ohio. In addition to being CA President, he was charter member of the Wheaton Club (Columbus field naturalists), an Associate of the American Ornithologists’ Union, and a member of the Ohio Academy of Science.