For Immediate UseContact: Garrison Frost
May 13, 2008(323) 951-9620
Audubon California honors leaders in conservation of California’s birds and habitat
San Francisco, Calif. – Audubon California today honored two individuals for their extraordinary leadership in the conservation of California wetlands. The organization also recognized leaders in corporate achievement and volunteer achievement for their continued commitment to protecting our natural treasures.
Audubon California Executive Director Glenn Olson, center, gives the Morris Doyle Award to Chris Steele, left, and Peter Stent, right.
Environmental leaders Christopher Steele and Peter Stent were honored with the Morris Doyle award at a luncheon held in San Francisco. Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) and The Bay Shore Studies Program received Audubon California’s Corporate Achievement Award and Volunteer Achievement award, respectively.
“Chris and Peter’s efforts in bird conservation and wetland protection really exemplify the spirit of Audubon California’s mission and our Morris Doyle award,” said Glenn Olson, executive director of Audubon California. “Their commitment to conservation has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Working as a team, Steele and Stent have led a number of wetlands restoration projects, including the Willow Creek Ranch in Colusa County, the Paul Wattis Audubon Sanctuary in Colusa County, the Roosevelt Ranch in Yolo County, and the Upper Beach Lake in Sacramento County. Steele is a real estate developer and investor with a farming background, while Stent is a farmer/rancher with experience in business, agriculture and applied ecology.
The award is named after Morris Doyle, who was the convening chair and founder of Audubon California. He had a passion for wetlands protection, bird habitat restoration, and engaging people in conservation and the outdoors. The award was created to celebrate this spirit of commitment. Doyle passed away in 1997.
Glenn Olson hands the Corporate Achievement Award to Nancy McFadden, Senior Vice President with
Pacific Gas and Electric.
PG&E is the first recipient of Audubon California’s corporate achievement award, and was recognized for making considerable strides in California bird habitat protection. It has created a Migratory Bird Protection Program to reduce the risk that overhead wires and electrical equipment pose to birds; ensured protection of 140,000 acres of watershed lands in San Luis Obispo County, a significant ‘Important Bird Area”; and demonstrated a significant commitment towards producing clean energy and reducing global warming.
“PG&E understands that if we want to make a future for birds in California we have to act now,” said Olson. “Time and time again the folks at PG&E have stepped up and done amazing things for bird and habitat conservation.”
Richardson Bay Audubon Center Director Brooke Langston, center, poses with volunteers from the
Bay Shore Studies Program.
The Bay Shore Studies Program was started over 30 years ago by Lani Uhry. This dedicated group of volunteers offers field trips to fourth- through sixth-graders at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary about Bay ecology. The volunteers are committed to the idea of connecting youth to nature, “one 10-year-old at a time.”
“What’s so amazing about this group of volunteers is that they do it because it’s fun. They’re friends, and they know it’s good science,” said Brooke Langston, director of the Richardson Bay Audubon Center. “They also care about our sanctuary and know this is a path to future conservation.”
Olson noted that the award has special meaning for Audubon California, as its namesake played a key role in making the organization what it is today.
“One of the things I always admired about Morris Doyle is that he never let us rest on our laurels,” Olson. “He always thought he could do more. He challenged Audubon California to think big because he knew that the future was at stake.”
About Audubon California
Audubon California is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of Audubon. This relationship links Audubon California to a national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engaging millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.
More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.
