News & Publications > Press Releases >

Contact: Sean Mahar
Audubon New York
518-253-7000
smahar@audubon.org

Elyse Koenig
LaForce+Stevens
212 242 9353 x 157
Cell: 404-316-3626
ekoenig@laforce-stevens.com

Audubon New York Celebrates Decade of Conservation Success with State and City Parks
2007 Thomas W. Keesee, Jr. Conservation Award Luncheon Honoring New York State and City Commissioners Carol Ash and Adrian Benepe

New York (November 7, 2007)—Audubon New York will celebrate a decade of collaboration on many important conservation projects by honoring New York State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash, and New York City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe at the 2007 Thomas W. Keesee, Jr. Conservation Award Luncheon at the Central Park Boathouse in New York City.

“The Thomas W. Keesee, Jr. Conservation Award is named in memory of Mr. Keesee’s lifelong commitment to the environment and support of Audubon,” said Albert E. Caccese Executive Director of Audubon New York, the 50,000 member state program of the National Audubon Society. “This year, we are delighted to honor Commissioners Ash and Benepe for their steadfast dedication to the protection of habitat and for their determination to connect New York State and City citizens to nature. Due to their strong commitments to conservation, New York State is a better place to live, work and visit.”

“These two remarkable public servants have dedicated their careers to conservation and they deserve all the accolades they receive, as well as the thanks of all New Yorkers,” said Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff Chairman of Audubon New York’s Board of Directors. “Audubon New York is proud to celebrate our many partnerships with these two extraordinary individuals on such important initiatives as the protection of New York’s great natural heritage and the education of the future generations of conservationists.”

“Working closely with State Parks, we successfully created the nation’s first Bird Conservation Area program, modeled after Audubon New York’s Important Bird Area Program, which has improved bird habitat on dozens of State Parks across New York,” stated Caccese. “In addition, we have also forged many important environmental education partnerships at such wonderful facilities as Knox Farm State Park and Constitution Marsh Audubon Center on the Hudson River.”

“With New York City Parks, we have created the country’s first urban Audubon Center in Prospect Park, providing hundreds of thousands of visitors with high quality and innovative outdoor education opportunities each year,” added Caccese. “Additionally, 7,000 acres of Forever Wild land in New York City provides an incredible habitat for birds and other wildlife, thanks to the tireless efforts of Commissioner Benepe.”

About the Recipients:

Commissioner Carol Ash’s distinguished career is marked by an unwavering commitment to conservation, education and strengthening relationships with local communities. Among her noted accomplishments are the preservation of environmentally significant properties in the Adirondacks and the Palisades. She is now working to address the considerable capital needs of the parks system, connecting open space and promoting stewardship and sustainability.

“Today’s recognition is a tremendous honor and I thank Audubon New York and its members,” said Commissioner Ash. “This recognition is especially gratifying because of our common commitment to conservation and stewardship. On behalf of Governor Eliot Spitzer and all New Yorkers who value the important work and commitment of Audubon, I offer my appreciation and look forward to an effective partnership in preserving and enhancing wildlife habitat throughout New York State.”

Commissioner Adrian Benepe has worked for the last 28 years to protect and enhance New York City’s natural and historic beauty. He began his career with Parks & Recreation as a teen working in East River Park. As Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Benepe has focused on improving park facilities and programs for children, developing new waterfront parks and greenways and implementing Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC, a sweeping roadmap to the environmentally sustainable growth of New York City. Besides greening 800 traffic triangles, opening and improving playgrounds and ball fields around the city, and building eight underdeveloped regional parks across the city, New York City will get one million new trees under the Million TreesNYC program.

“I am honored to receive the Thomas W. Keesee, Jr. Conservation Award and am proud of how we have been able to enrich New Yorkers' experience of the natural world by working with Audubon New York,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “The Audubon Center in Prospect Park, the Christmas Bird Count in Central Park and the educational For the Birds! program, along with our Urban Park Ranger programs, nature trails and nature centers are just a few of the ways that New Yorkers can find adventure and relaxation in the parks, thanks to our great partnership.”

Previous Thomas W. Keesee Award winners include: Donal O’Brien (2001), John Bierwirth (2002), Samuel F. Pryor III (2003), Marian Heiskell (2004) and Wendy Paulson (2006).

Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

# # #