This fall at the annual Audubon New York all-staff retreat, select members of the staff, nominated by fellow colleagues, were honored with the Conservationist of the Year Award. This award, given annually, recognizes staff who have gone above and beyond in their work to achieve Audubon's mission and goals throughout the year. This year's award was given to Suzanne Treyger for her individual professional achievements as Audubon New York's Forest Program Manager, as well as to the staff of the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center - Kathryn D'Amico, Volunteer Coordinator and Office Manager; Kate Kohut, Part-Time Educator; and Julie Nelsen, Environmental Educator - for their outstanding efforts maintaining the Sanctuary and its programming during a time of transition. 

Suzanne was nominated this year for her work on Forest Management for New York Birds: A Forester’s Guide. Suzanne went above and beyond expectations in leading the development of the forester’s guide. This detailed yet easy to understand document translates a comprehensive scientific literature review into a decision-making framework that helps foresters choose silvicultural treatments that will improve bird habitat. Extensively reviewed by academics, foresters, and bird conservationists, this state-of-the-art guide represents a significant milestone in our forest conservation work. It will provide a foundation for all of Audubon New York’s Healthy Forests work in the foreseeable future and will likely remain the standard reference on this topic in New York and other northeastern states for many years.

The staff of the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center (TRSAC), despite being shorthanded, have kept the center running smoothly and open to the public. Superb programming has been made available on week days and weekends. Kathryn D'Amico works on the National Audubon Society committee to update , standardize, and improve the way Audubon works with volunteers; TRSAC has been able to utilize their vast volunteer network to maximize their impact. Julie Nelson has been able to secure new schools for the Long Island For the Birds! program and is expanding the Sanctuary's education outreach.

Congratulations to Suzanne, Kathryn, Kate, and Julie and thank you for all you have done for Audubon New York!