With Mike’s leadership, DCNR has protected over 150,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands, stream corridors, and natural areas during his tenure – more land than was protected in the previous 35 years. Association President Molly Morrison presented the award, providing a recap of Mike’s great work these past six years and a touching tribute.

She began, “we celebrate Mike’s ability to take his great passion and turn it into leadership and innovation. “Mike’s vision was much broader and he pushed all of us to see our work as part of a larger context. He made the case for the increased social and economic value of conservation and environmental protection. He talked about sustainable communities, linking conservation and recreation, returning to the rivers as a tool for revitalization, land management and protection as a tool to address climate change. And he made sense. And he inspired change. And he has inspired people.”