By Heather Eaton, Youth Leadership Council, Iowa
Reprinted from Winter 2010 Upland Tales magazine.
Brooks and Heather Eaton, author of this article, made Rudy buttons at the 2008 Pheasant Fest. Brooks is now Vice Chair of the Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever National Youth Leadership Council (PF & QF NYLC).
Can we teach everyone about habitat and conservation? Can we get all kids enjoying the outdoors? Can we show legislators the importance of outdoor education, habitat and conservation? I know one person who has certainly made an outstanding effort to make all of this possible. A fellow Pheasants Forever National Youth Leadership Council member and, proudly, friend of mine, Brooks VanDerBeek has incredible passion and drive to get things done.
Recently, during its state convention, the Izaak Walton League awarded Brooks with its “Iowa Youth Conservationist of the Year” award. There isn’t a more deserving person than Brooks to receive this honor. He doesn’t just get involved himself, but because of his passion for conservation, makes others want to get involved as well.
