Original story published by the Albany Times Union
November 11, 2016

Christopher "Kim" Elliman, president and CEO of the Open Space Institute, was presented with the 2016 Thomas W. Keesee Jr. Conservation Award, Audubon's highest honor, during a luncheon in New York City on Nov. 2.

The event raised $304,000 for the nonprofit organization.

Biologist, author and champion of biodiversity Edward O. Wilson, university research professor emeritus at Harvard University received the 2016 Audubon New York Award for environmental writing.

Elliman's work has had a significant impact on the health of New York, and under his direction, OSI's Alliance for State Parks is leading the campaign for the new Thacher Park Center in Voorheesville. A signature project of the NY Parks 2020 Plan, the center is meant to help transform Thacher State Park, which attracts 380,000 visitors annually.

Audubon New York is headquartered in Troy.