Dr. Betsie Rothermel, Archbold Herpetology & Restoration Ecology Program Director, was recently recognized by the Gopher Tortoise Council with a Lifetime Service Award at the 45th Annual Meeting in Tifton Georgia on November 18. The award recognizes Betsie’s long-term service to the organization and the conservation of Gopher Tortoises and upland ecosystems.

As an active member of the Gopher Tortoise Council since 2009, Betsie served as Co-Chair in 2018-2019 and hosted the 40th Annual Meeting here at Archbold. She has served as Chair of the Student Awards Committee since 2020 and looks forward to many more years of involvement in this important organization.

Pictured L-R: Rachel Fedders, Betsie Rothermel, Nicole Bednarik