Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Selects 2025 Mary Reid Barrow Wildlife Advocate Award Recipient

Jody Ullmann, a longtime wildlife advocate at major area institutions, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Mary Reid Barrow Wildlife Advocate Award by Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation. The peer-nominated award, presented on Jan. 26 as part of the 15th annual Winter Wildlife Festival, honors individuals in our community who contribute by celebrating, advocating and educating individuals about local wildlife.

Ullmann’s passion for educating and advocating for wildlife has touched countless lives across Hampton Roads and beyond. Ullmann’s dedication to education, combined with her ability to celebrate and advocate for wildlife, has had a lasting impact on our community. Her work has empowered young people to become stewards of the environment and has brought local wildlife into focus for countless families. Ullmann’s legacy in wildlife education and advocacy is one that will continue to inspire future generations.

Through her roles at major institutions like the Virginia Living Museum and Lynnhaven River NOW, Ullmann has consistently worked to engage the community in meaningful ways to foster a connection between people and wildlife.

Ullmann’s true gift lies in her hands-on approach to environmental education, which is rooted in creating personal connections with nature. Ullmann has devoted her career to making nature relatable and accessible to everyone, from children to adults, using her unique ability to connect people with the wonders of the natural world.

For more about the Winter Wildlife Festival, visit winterwildlifevb.com.

Jody Ullman (center) being presented with her award by the award’s namesake, Mary Reid Barrow (right), and Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation festival organizer Katie Webb (left).

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation strives to promote healthy lifestyles and protect the City's coastal environment, as well as to ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social and economic circumstances – can access Parks & Recreation programs. The department's vision is to be the national leader in providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is the 2023 National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in Parks and Recreation Management in the Class I category by the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.