(TROY, NY – March 27, 2019) Audubon leaders from across New York State met this past weekend in Saratoga Springs, NY, to present the premier Audubon New York Award for Environmental Excellence to Assemblymember Carrier Woerner for her dedication to protecting New York State’s environment. The award was presented on March 23rd as part of the spring meeting of the Audubon Council of New York State.

“Throughout her tenure, Assemblymember Woerner has distinguished herself as a champion of environmental conservation, a tireless steward of our natural resources, and a strong ally to Audubon in our efforts to protect New York’s environment. We are proud to present her with the Audubon New York Award for Environmental Excellence,” said Ana Paula Tavares, Executive Director of Audubon New York. “We are especially thankful to Assemblymember Woerner for supporting the protection of the Washington County Grasslands. Her efforts ensured that one of the last remaining large grasslands in eastern New York, which provides essential habitat to threatened species such as the Short-eared Owl, will remain intact.”

The Audubon New York Award for Environmental Excellence is presented to federal or state officials in recognition of work above and beyond the normal call of duty to advance critical solutions to the most pressing environmental issues. Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, who represents the 113th Assembly District, advocates for responsible spending and is focused on improving the business climate for small businesses and farms, strengthening public schools, and protecting the traditions, heritage and culture of this region, and, of course, protecting the environment in Saratoga and Washington counties.

Assemblymember Woerner championed environmental conservation in Washington County in 2018 when she advocated for the protection of the Washington County Grasslands. The threatened and endangered species that call this Important Bird Area home continue to decline despite current conservation efforts. Audubon New York is grateful to Assemblymember Woerner’s tireless work on this legislation, which allowed the state to add an additional 180 acres of land to the Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area. This purchase will benefit the Short-eared Owls, Northern Harriers, and Upland Sandpipers that need this protected land in order to thrive.

 “I am honored to receive this award and recognition,” said Assemblymember Carrie Woerner. “Protecting our environment and natural resources is of critical importance, and I am glad to have made a lasting contribution to New York State’s legacy of environmental leadership. I am proud to have partnered with Audubon New York, the Audubon Council, and the Friends of the Important Birding Area to protect the unique habitats of the Washington County Grasslands and promote the conservation, protection and stewardship of our local wildlife and their habitat.”

Past award recipients include then Assemblyman Maurice Hinchey (1990), Assemblyman William Hoyt (1991), Assemblyman Pete Grannis (1992), Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (1995), Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (1996), Assemblyman Steven Englebright (1997), Senator Carl Marcellino (1998), DEC Commissioner John Cahill (2000), Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli (2003), Governor George E. Pataki (2004), OPRHP Commissioner Bernadette Castro (2005), Congressman Maurice Hinchey (2007), Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano (2008), Assemblyman Robert Sweeney (2009), Assemblywoman Ginny Fields (2010), Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (2011), Senator Mark Grisanti (2012), Commissioners Rose Harvey and Lucy Waletzky (2013), Senator Betty Little (2014), Congressman Chris Gibson (2015), Assemblyman Steve Otis (2016), and Senator Thomas F. O’Mara (2018).

About Audubon New York

Audubon New York, a state program of the National Audubon Society, protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization.

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