Harrison Ford, the Chicago-born actor renowned for his roles in 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones,' was honored at a gala at the Field Museum in Chicago for his lifelong commitment to environmental conservation. Ford, who grew up in Chicago and credits local museums and zoos for inspiring his love of nature, received the inaugural Transformative Conservation Leadership award from the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation during the Half-Earth Day event. Ford’s advocacy spans over 30 years, emphasizing the importance of science and community action in preserving biodiversity and combating climate change. He has worked with organizations like Conservation International and has a species of ant named after him, Pheidole harrisonfordi, in recognition of his conservation efforts. Ford expressed hope in youth leadership and called for a politics focused solely on protecting nature. The event also recognized David Willard, a Field Museum bird researcher, with the Parker/Gentry Award for his extensive work on bird biodiversity. The foundation promotes the 'Half-Earth' principle, advocating for setting aside half of the Earth’s surface for nature, aligning with Wilson’s legacy of biodiversity and conservation. Additionally, Ford was awarded the E.O. Wilson Legacy Award, named after the Alabama scientist and biologist, for his contributions to biodiversity and environmental advocacy. Wilson, who passed away in 2021, was known for his groundbreaking studies on ants and his book 'Half-Earth,' which argues for protecting half the planet for its ecosystems. Ford’s efforts and recognition highlight his role as a prominent environmental activist and his ongoing influence in conservation initiatives.