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Conservationist of the Year: 2019
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A highlight of every Santa Fe Audubon Annual Meeting is the award to our "Conservationist of the Year." Recipients for this award are citizens chosen for their commitment to conservation, perseverance toward a goal, acquired knowledge about a species or special place, ability to lead and inspire others, and as examples of dedication to the cause of conservation.
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Jim Gross, recipient of the SFAS Conservationist of the Year 2019, with Laura Berkelman, president of Santa Fe Audubon.
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Santa Fe Audubon was delighted to award Conservationist of the Year 2019 to Bob Gross, executive director of Florida Defenders of the Environment. A geologist certified Certified by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, Bob has used his hydrology expertise to become a highly respected spokesperson for speaking truth to power, including misused power, even in the face of serious personal consequences. He works tirelessly to keep the dream of Oklawaha River Restoration alive statewide.
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Past Recipients
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| 2018 |
Karen Chadwick |
For her extensive contributions to local awareness of environmental issues through her work with the Putnam County Environmental Council. |
| 2017 |
Dr. Bob Knight and Debra Segal |
For their work on restoration and protection of Florida’s artesian springs via the Florida Springs Institute. Of particular local interest, they were instrumental in the creation of both the Sweetwater Wetlands Park and Ichetucknee Springs Water Quality Improvement Project. |
| 2016 |
Jill McGuire |
For being a driving force and providing effective leadership and advocacy for clean water, clean air, and a healthy environment, through the Santa Fe Lake Dwellers and Santa Fe Audubon. |
| 2015 |
Dr. Richard Franz |
For his tireless work with the Palatka Water Works Environmental Education Center and for the Bartram Trail in Putman County Committee |
| 2014 |
Claude Brown |
For the instrumental part he played organizing the Putnam Land Conservancy and his ongoing work to acquire and preserve ecologically important lands throughout Putnam County. |
| 2013 |
Dr. Terry Brant |
Providing exceptional leadership and assistance to local governments and conservation organizations, focusing on facilitating cooperation, minimizing conflict, and improving effective water management for the area. |
| 2012 |
Jackie Host |
Leadership in protection of water resources; President of Lake Area Water Alliance |
| 2011 |
Bill Chitty |
Thousands of hours of volunteer work over the last 15 years with FWC and Forestry Service biologists in our State Forests and Parks, compiling data on local area listed (special concern, threatened, endangered) species. |
| 2010 |
Bill and Jan Bolte |
A lifetime of conservation leadership; founded and conducted the Melrose Christmas Bird Count for years and years before Santa Fe Audubon Society was formed. |