Announcing Our 2024 Environmental Champions

The Rockfall Foundation announces the class of 2024 Environmental Champions. The Tom ODell Distinguished Service Award, for outstanding life-long accomplishments, will be awarded to David Mason Brown, Executive Director of the Middlesex Land Trust and the Mattabeseck Audubon Society. Certificates of Environmental Achievement, recognizing significant programs and projects, will be awarded to Pathfinders, Inc. and The Old Saybrook Historical Society.

2024 Tom ODell Distinguished Service Award

David Mason Brown – David has served as the Executive Director of the Middlesex Land Trust for 15 years, playing a pivotal role in the organization’s land conservation efforts. Under his leadership, the Trust has preserved 1,927 acres of natural land, spanning over 50 preserves in northern Middlesex County, Connecticut. These preserves in Cromwell, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown, East Hampton, Portland, and Haddam Neck include critical habitats, wetlands, ridgelines, and forested areas.

David’s work extends beyond land acquisition. He has been instrumental in promoting public access to these natural areas by improving hiking trails and preserving scenic overlooks, ponds, and waterfalls that bring outdoor enthusiasts to the region. His leadership has also fostered strong collaborations with local and state agencies, ensuring a sustainable future for these lands.

David’s dedication to conservation and his ability to expand the Trust’s impact will leave a lasting mark on the region.

Mattabeseck Audubon Society – The Mattabeseck Audubon Society (MAS), a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is celebrating 50 years of dedication to environmental leadership and education for the benefit of the community and the earth’s biodiversity. Based in Middletown, MAS has been a significant contributor to conservation efforts in both Middletown and the surrounding communities.

MAS’s significant conservation efforts include owning and maintaining the Helen Carlson Wildlife Sanctuary in Portland, a nature preserve consisting of a variety of natural habitats including an everchanging wetland.  MAS’s community engagement and outreach include participation in the Salmon River Christmas Bird Count and the Connecticut Bird Atlas, collaboration with Franklin Academy students to develop educational trails and construct bluebird nesting boxes, and partnerships with local educational institutions and public libraries to facilitate nature-related programs with presentations. Their newsletter, “The Wingbeat,” shares information on advocacy, science, and conservation.

2024 Certificate of Environmental Achievement

Pathfinders, Inc. – Pathfinders, Inc., founded in 1998 to support outdoor programming at Deer Lake, is recognized for its exceptional dedication to preserving natural landscapes and promoting outdoor education.

Pathfinders, Inc. led the successful effort to purchase and preserve the Deer Lake Boy Scout camp property, which includes over 250 acres of an important Connecticut Greenway in Killingworth.

Successfully acquired for $4.75 million in September 2022, the property was secured through a local and international fundraising campaign with contributions coming from 87 towns within the state, 34 other U.S. states, and five countries.

Through this grassroots initiative, Pathfinders preserved a vital greenway and ensured its continued use for educational and recreational activities. Today, Deer Lake remains a thriving outdoor center, hosting day camps, wilderness programs, and various youth groups under Pathfinders’ stewardship. The organization’s commitment to maintaining open access to this significant natural resource aligns with The Rockfall Foundation’s mission to support environmental education and conservation.

This award recognizes Pathfinders, Inc. for its outstanding role in protecting and enhancing community green spaces and fostering a love for the outdoors among future generations.

The Old Saybrook Historical Society – The Old Saybrook Historical Society is recognized for its commitment to environmental stewardship through the maintenance of the historic Hart House Garden. Established in 1974 and opened in 1976 as part of the bicentennial celebration, the garden has become a cornerstone of the Society’s educational outreach and a haven for biodiversity.

Guided by Dr. Rudy Favretti’s expertise in landscape architecture, the garden authentically mirrors 17th and 18th-century landscapes.

The garden, maintained entirely without pesticides by dedicated volunteers, includes several notable trees, including an old Dutch elm and a champion persimmon tree. The garden also provides culinary herbs to local food banks, educates visitors about colonial herb uses, and supports women’s health with ancient herbal remedies. The garden also plays a critical role in local pollinator conservation efforts, featuring a variety of native plants that provide essential habitats for birds and insects.  Last year the garden welcomed 1,850 visitors, offering tours, events, and educational programs free to the public.

This award recognizes the Old Saybrook Historical Society’s efforts in preserving and enhancing environmental education and conservation in their community.

All are invited to join in honoring the awardees at our 2024 Annual Meeting, Grants and Awards Celebration on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:00 PM.

Find more information and register for the event here.