Audubon New York Honors Commissioner Martens and Applied Ecological Services with Annual Conservation Awards

The Donald G. Colvin Conservation Awards are presented annually to leaders in recognition of their dedication and inspiring influence within the Central New York conservation community. The Awards are named in honor of Colvin, a visionary who spent over a decade championing the creation of the Montezuma Audubon Center.

“Commissioner Martens and Applied Ecological Services are exemplary leaders committed to protecting and conserving our Central New York natural resources,” said Erin Crotty, Executive Director of Audubon New York.  “We applaud their steadfast support of on-the-ground restoration projects, innovative environmental education programs, and fostering strong partnerships to protect and enhance the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and Onondaga Lake.”

The Montezuma Wetlands Complex and Onondaga Lake have both been recognized as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) by Audubon as they provide essential habitat for a large diversity of migrating birds.  However, careful stewardship and public education is continually needed to ensure these unique areas are maintained and enhanced. Recently these two areas have been selected as priority IBAs by the National Audubon Society to focus conservation efforts at these important habitats along the Atlantic Flyway. 

The Montezuma Audubon Center is a leading model of partnership between the State, not-for-profit community, and private sector.  The DEC owned facility is operated by Audubon and supported by an Advisory Board and surrounding communities for its efforts to connect area residents and visitors to these irreplaceable habitats and promote their restoration.  Since the Center was established in 2007, it has become a valuable community resource that has worked closely with the DEC to enhance outreach activities, and prioritize key acquisitions to enhance the surrounding habitat.

“The DEC has been a vital partner in our education and stewardship efforts and we can’t thank Commissioner Martens enough for this tireless leadership and unwavering commitment to the Center’s success,” said Frank Moses, Director of the Montezuma Audubon Center. “From promoting our sportsmen education camps, to enabling our restoration activities at Onondaga Lake, to promoting the Center in the State’s recently released watchable Wildlife guide, a day does not go by without Commissioner Martens’ positive influence on our efforts.”

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said, "Governor Cuomo has made conservation and land preservation a priority for the state, increasing funding for land acquisitions this year by $2.5 million. DEC and Audubon's work at the Montezuma Audubon Center is an exemplary example of what can be accomplished through collaboration and partnerships. It's an honor to be recognized for this award and on behalf of DEC, I would like to thank Audubon for it's partnership in environmental education and for its leadership in conservation efforts across the State, including its strong support for Onondaga Lake habitat restoration efforts."

In addition to the partnerships with the State, the success of the Center and its unique conservation programs relies on strong connections to corporate partners who are directly engaged in restoration activities.  Since its creation in 1978, Applied Ecological Services (AES) has undertaken numerous design and implementation projects in Central New York to enhance the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and Onondaga Lake.  Most recently, the firm was instrumental in creation of the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve: an addition of over 576 acres of wetlands to the complex, providing new critical habitat for birds and other wildlife.  In addition, AES has  been active in supporting the newly formed Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, which has had over 200 volunteers plant over 1300 trees, shrubs, and plants. 

“If there is one firm that is truly thinking globally by acting locally, it’s Applied Ecological Services,” added Moses.  “AES has utilized their internationally recognized expertise and staff resources to greatly enhance the ecological integrity of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.  Chairman Steven Apfelbaum has continually bolstered our education programs to landowners and provided invaluable support at our annual Wildlife Festival.  They are truly a model company that has gone above and beyond to enhance the regions biodiversity.”

“I am thrilled to receive this award on behalf of our dedicated staff that has undertaken groundbreaking restoration projects in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex,” said Steven Apfelbaum, Chairman of Applied Ecological Services.  “We are proud to be involved in the innovative habitat restoration of Seneca Meadows, and even more proud to be working closely with Audubon to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy and learn about this unique habitat that so many birds, other wildlife and amphibians depend on.”   

Previous award recipients include: President of the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Matt Driscoll, Seneca Meadows, Honeywell Hometown Solutions, John D. Marsellus, National Grid, Tim Noga, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry President Cornelius B. Murphy, Jr., Georgena Terry, Savannah Town Supervisor Donald G. Colvin, Senator Michael F. Nozzolio, Former Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Denise Sheehan, and former U.S. Congressman James T. Walsh.

About Audubon: Audubon New York is dedicated to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. The 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. For more information about Audubon New York visit: ny.audubon.org

About Donald G. Colvin: Donald G. Colvin was Savannah Town Supervisor for 48 years, the longest serving supervisor in the State of New York. He recognized the importance of the wetlands and the migratory bird stopover to the community.  Don sold the property to the State of New York to preserve the wetlands and donated the proceeds of the sale to the Montezuma Audubon Center.