We were thrilled to honor the entire Cao family as the MCA volunteer of the year with a basket of Reserve goodies. For the past several years they have cheerfully pitched in to make our events run smoothly and we really value their help.
2013 Royce Hanson Award winner Jim Brown introduced awardee Anne Sturm by putting her work in a historical context. Jim told the story of how Teddy Roosevelt created many of our treasured National Parks by executive order toward the end of his term- but he didn't act alone- it was revered environmentalist and naturalist John Muir who advocated that these unique treasures deserved protection. Jim said that we have our own Teddy Roosevelt in Royce Hanson's bold plans for the Reserve many years ago, with Anne as the Reserve's John Muir - advocating consistently for the protection of a working agricultural landscape on metro's edge. Beth Daly, president of Sugarloaf Citizen Association offered closing remarks - expressing how wonderful it was to honor Anne in SCA's home of Linden Farm.
Maureen O'Connell presented the award- a framed photo from the Historic Medley District's photo contest.
2012 awardee Chet Anderson of Sugarloaf Countryside Conservancy explained the benefits of property easements and encouraged folks to find out more about giving their land permanent protection (and getting a tax break for it). For more info contact Chet: [email protected]. For additional easement opportunities: Maryland Environmental Trust.Thanks to Whole Foods Market, Wegmans and Kingsbury Orchard for the fine food.
Special Thanks to Lewis Orchard and Comus Market for the festive fall decorations. And to our newest volunteer Nicole Motzer (who will be helping to update our popular Ag Guide) and her husband Kris. Thanks to Sugarloaf Citizens Association for use of the barn and Historic Medley District for the photo award.