The U.S. Forest Service presented Chuck Leavell with the Honorary Forest Ranger award in Atlanta on Monday.

The award was given to Leavell for his expertise and activism in protecting American forests.

Leavell, who sits on the board of the American Forest Foundation, says it’s hard to raise awareness on forestry in our country.

“Getting our message out isn’t always easy I think we all know that. Its kind of hard to make forestry a sexy issue, but I think it’s the sexiest issue of all, and I can promise you, all of you, our family will continue to do everything we can to spread that message. So thanks, god bless you, and god bless our American forest.”

Aside from his conservation accomplishments, Leavell is a world-renowned musician who plays with the Allman Brothers and The Rolling Stones.

Leavell was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Grammy awards.

Tags: music, Chuck Leavell, U.S. Forestry Service, pianist, The Rolling Stones, The Allman Brother Band