D&R Greenway Land Trust is pleased to announce local bird and conservation advocates, Hannah Suthers and Sharyn Magee, as recipients of the land trust’s 2022 Donald B. Jones Conservation Award (s).
The award ceremony will take place at the annual Greenway Gala on Sunday, May 15, 2022, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Hillside Farm in Hopewell, NJ, which was recently gifted to D&R Greenway by Betty Wold Johnson’s family in her memory.
Members of the public are invited for a special opportunity to have a Bird’s Eye View of Hillside Farm, home of the future Betty Wold Johnson Preserve! The new preserve is not yet open to the public, and this is a special opportunity to get a glimpse first-hand. Join D&R Greenway Land Trust at the Greenway Gala on May 15 to congratulate Sharyn and Hannah and to be one of the first to experience Hillside Farm. High on a hill with sweeping views across the Hopewell Valley, the land holds great ecological value for birds and wildlife and is of historic significance. This 800-acre property will not open to the public until next year after a thoughtful process is completed to ensure protection of conservation resources.
Sponsorships are available from $500 – $5,000. Individual Ticket Price is $200. Admission is by advance ticket or sponsorship purchase only by May 5 at www.drgreenway.org or by calling 609 578-7470. Safety precautions will be taken including limiting the number of participants; reserve your place now. Gala sponsorships and tickets benefit D&R Greenway’s conservation of birds and habitat on the future Betty Wold Johnson Preserve.
D&R Greenway’s Donald B. Jones Conservation Award annually recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to conservation. It is a high honor that stands for personal commitment with on-the-ground results. In 1977, The Featherbed Lane Bird Banding Station in the Sourlands was initiated by Hannah Suthers. Sharyn Magee joined two decades ago. These two scientists have dedicated 15,000 hours at one of the longest-running bird banding stations in the U.S.! Their data informed Cornell University’s 2019 study that sounded an alarm: 2.9 billion birds have disappeared across North America in the last 50 years, largely due to loss of habitat.
“Sharyn and Hannah are special people who have devoted many years to helping us understand and protect local bird life. They work on the front-lines of the battle to save wildlife conservation.” Linda J. Mead, President & CEO, D&R Greenway.
The 2022 Donald B. Jones Awardees, Hannah Suthers and Sharyn Magee, will be introduced at the Greenway Gala by Paul G. Rodewald of Cornell University, Science Editor, Birds of the World project.
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About D&R Greenway Land Trust: D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a new milestone of over 22,000 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey since 1989. By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for residents of the region—including those most in need. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations. D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on connecting land with people from all walks of life. www.drgreenway.org; info@drgreenway.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.