Russell County’s Mackenzie Foster was recently named a 2024 Recovery Champion by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Foster works as an Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. She received the award for her work with Laurel dace, a freshwater minnow native to Tennessee that was on the verge of becoming extinct. The awards recognize individuals for their work in advancing the recovery of endangered and threatened species of plants and animals.
Foster was involved with a team that collaborated to rescue, transport, and house more than 200 fish. Their work also included a fundraising campaign that secured funds to care for the Laurel Dace and raise awareness on the issue.
Foster is a 2014 graduate of Russell County High School.
