Announcing Our 2023 Environmental Champions

The Rockfall Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2023 Environmental Champion Awards. The award winners were selected from nominations submitted by members of the community across the Lower Connecticut River Valley. The Rockfall Foundation is honored to present Certificates of Environmental Achievement to Christine Cummings, John Ogren, and the Macdonough School.

The awards will be presented at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting, Grants and Awards Celebration on Wednesday, October 4, at the Rockfall Foundation’s deKoven House Community Center.

2023 Certificate of Environmental Achievement Winner

The Rockfall Foundation is honored to present Christine Cummings and “A Place Called Hope” (APCH) with a Certificate of Environmental Achievement for her outstanding dedication and contributions to wildlife rehabilitation and education.

Christine Cummings has dedicated her life to the welfare and rights of animals. Her journey began in early childhood and continued through her education at the University of Maryland, where she studied Art Education and Studio Art. Rejecting a path that separated her from animals, she established a business focused on the care and grooming of dogs and cats.

In 2005, Christine’s passion for animal welfare led her to become a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator. This decision was driven by a desire to address the injuries caused to wildlife due to human conflicts, which account for 98% of cases seen at rehabilitation centers. Her commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals became a way of giving back to the community and environment.

Together with her husband Todd, who shares her dedication to Birds of Prey, Christine co-founded and operates A Place Called Hope, Inc. This organization, licensed by the State of Connecticut and holding Federal Permits, specializes in the care of Birds of Prey, including Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Falcons, Harriers, Kites, and Osprey. Additionally, they attend Corvids, better known as Crows, Bluejays, and Ravens, along with the Black Vulture and Turkey Vulture.

APCH serves as an educational platform. Its primary mission is to educate the public about ways to minimize conflicts with wildlife in their own environments. Through their programs, people gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Raptors and other bird species. In addition, they believe in re-nesting baby raptors that have fallen from their nests, emphasizing the importance of returning them to their natural habitats whenever possible. Their belief that “birds are best raised by birds” underscores their practical approach to rehabilitation.

Founded in 2007, A Place Called Hope operates as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, relying solely on donations of time and money. These contributions are crucial to providing food, shelter, and medical care for the birds under their care. The organization’s dedication to rehabilitating and releasing these creatures is a testament to Cummings’ commitment to environmental conservation.

Christine Cummings’ tireless efforts in wildlife rehabilitation and education, as well as her co-founding of A Place Called Hope, exemplify her remarkable dedication to the environment and its creatures. Her work has not only made a profound impact on countless birds’ lives but has also inspired and educated the public on the importance of coexisting with wildlife.

2023 Certificate of Environmental Achievement Winner

As a dedicated environmentalist, known for his deep commitment to understanding and protecting the natural world, John Ogren has earned a Certificate of Environmental Achievement. John’s passion for conservation shines through in his soft-spoken demeanor and perpetually tanned appearance from spending extensive time outdoors. He is recognized for his significant contributions to the Old Saybrook Land Trust, particularly in the acquisition of the coastal Ayers Point property.

Over five years and with the support of six funding sources, John was pivotal in navigating the complex process of acquiring the Ayers Point property. He demonstrated exceptional patience, persistence, and composure, even in the face of significant challenges. John’s efforts were instrumental in ensuring the protection of this valuable habitat.

In addition to his involvement with the Land Trust, John actively engages in various conservation initiatives.  Recent examples include:

• Osprey Platform Installation: In December 2022, John coordinated a team of volunteers to erect an Osprey platform on a residential property along the Connecticut River. His extensive network within the wildlife enthusiast community allowed him to assemble an expert team for this challenging project. Despite adverse weather conditions, the team successfully completed the installation, providing a vital nesting site for ospreys.
• Educational Programs:John has arranged for speakers at Land Trust annual meetings, providing educational experiences for the community. He secured presentations from organizations like Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue and A Place Called Hope, featuring live animals to engage and educate the audience about wildlife conservation.
• Supporting Wildlife Rehabilitation: John facilitated a connection between a local commercial fisherman and the bird rehab facility, A Place Called Hope, ensuring a sustainable food source for birds of prey in captivity.
• Project Limulus: John has been a driving force behind Project Limulus, a community-based research program focused on horseshoe crab population studies. He mobilized volunteers in Old Saybrook to contribute to ongoing scientific research, emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement in conservation efforts.
• Mentoring Eagle Scouts: Through the Eagle Scout program, John mentored young men in various conservation projects, including constructing and installing osprey platforms and a viewing platform overlooking the Oyster River.

John Ogren’s dedication to the environment is genuine and tireless. He goes above and beyond to protect wildlife and natural habitats, embodying his love for the natural world. His actions speak volumes about his commitment to conservation, making him deserving of a Certificate of Environmental Achievement.

2023 Certificate of Environmental Achievement Winner

The Macdonough School‘s determined commitment to environmental sustainability has earned the school and its students a well-deserved Certificate of Environmental Achievement. Their achievements are not limited to the school grounds alone; they have embraced a far-reaching approach, instilling in their students a profound sense of environmental responsibility that transcends beyond the classroom walls and into the wider community, creating good environmental stewards of the earth who actively contribute to a more sustainable world. Listed below are the school’s significant programs, practices, and accomplishments:

• Compost Program: Led by 5th-grade students, the school established a daily composting routine. They went above and beyond by creating presentations to educate all students about the benefits of composting and what materials can be composted.
• Battery Recycling: Again, 5th-grade students took the lead in informing their peers about battery recycling. They set up collection bins, emphasizing the importance of proper disposal to prevent environmental harm.
• UCONN Collaboration on Indoor Air Quality: Students worked with UCONN staff to build low cost, highly effective filters that would filter viruses and allergens and improve overall air quality in the classrooms. They helped set up equipment to test the effectiveness of the filters and built a filter that was recently sent to EPA facilities in North Carolina to be tested. The results from testing are slated to be published in a peer reviewed article. Through the collaboration with UCONN, students learned about the importance of air quality and how they can make a difference.
• Reusable Cloth Bags for Breakfast Meals: Recognizing the environmental impact of single-use paper bags for breakfast meals, students initiated the idea of Reusable Cloth Bags. When breakfast was introduced to Middletown Schools, it was packaged in brown paper bags, which were discarded after a single use. In the first year, the students saved the bags for other uses. Over time, they decided to purchase reusable cloth bags to minimize waste.
• Partnership with Spring Farm in Colchester: The partnership with the farm was a significant learning opportunity for all the students. During their visit in the fall of 2022, funded in part with a Rockfall grant, they learned about composting, planting, and harvesting. Additionally, the fourth graders planted seeds in the Macdonough Community Garden at the school, which they plan to harvest and share with the community.
• Hydroponic System in School Cafeteria: The implementation of a hydroponic system in the cafeteria exemplifies innovation in sustainable food production, promoting local, fresh produce for the school community.
• Share Table in Cafeteria: In addition to composting, the school introduced a ‘Share Table’ to reduce food waste. This not only encourages responsible consumption but also contributes to the Food Bank.
• Trash to Treasure Art Project: Second grade classes have a yearly project called “Trash to Treasure”. They scour the grounds for trash and then use it to make Art. The undertaking was inspired by Dr. Kat Owens’ project “Entangled and Ingested“, where she used plastic trash to create portraits of different sea animals at risk from the toll of the debris in our oceans.
• Whiteboard Desks and Tables: The adoption of whiteboard desks and tables reflects a conscious effort to reduce paper usage, aligning with sustainable practices.

All are invited to join in honoring the awardees at our 2023 Annual Meeting, Grants and Awards Celebration on Wednesday, October 4 at 6:00 PM.

Find more information and register for the event here.