Wally Kidd Named 2026 Recipient of the Damschroder Service Award
The Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC) is pleased to recognize Wally Kidd as the 2026 recipient of the Damschroder Service Award, honoring his more than two decades of dedicated service to land preservation and stewardship at Walloon Lake.
Established to recognize individuals who demonstrate the dedication, leadership, knowledge, and commitment exemplified by Dr. Allen and Jane Damschroder, the Damschroder Service Award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to protecting the lands and waters of the Walloon Lake watershed.
Wally Kidd has been a steadfast partner in WLAC’s land protection efforts, serving on the organization’s Lands Committee and its predecessor, the Land Preservation Committee, from 2003 through 2026. For more than 20 years, Wally has brought his professional expertise, sound judgment, energy, and commitment to conservation to countless land protection projects.
His contributions extend far beyond committee service. Wally has supported WLAC through dozens of real estate transactions, helping the organization navigate property acquisitions and other conservation opportunities. In doing so, he has generously donated an estimated $170,000 in potential real estate commissions to support WLAC’s conservation mission.
“Wally’s service to WLAC is an extraordinary example of what it means to use your professional skills and personal commitment to make a lasting difference for Walloon Lake,” said Jon Breithaupt, WLAC Executive Director. “For more than two decades, Wally has consistently shown up for this organization, bringing his knowledge, judgment, generosity, and deep commitment to land conservation to some of our most important projects. His contributions have helped WLAC protect special places for future generations, and we are incredibly grateful for all he has done.”
The Damschroder Service Award is rooted in the legacy of Al and Jane Damschroder, who dedicated more than 25 years to promoting land preservation, land stewardship, and the protection of Walloon Lake’s water quality. Their example demonstrated that successful conservation depends not only on protecting individual properties, but also on building relationships, forming consensus, and bringing people together around a shared vision for the future.
Wally has embodied that same spirit of service. His long-standing involvement with WLAC has helped advance conservation projects while strengthening the partnerships and community support necessary to protect the Walloon Lake watershed.
Thank you, Wally, for more than 20 years of service, generosity, and leadership in support of WLAC and Walloon Lake. Your contributions will continue to benefit the lake and the people and natural communities who call its watershed home for generations to come.
