Description of Individual or organization

Thanks to Bob's tireless work and dedication as volunteer chair of the Connemara Meadow Steering Committee and member of the Connemara Board of Trustees, the Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve has become a centerpiece of conservation and restoration programs right in the heart of massive suburban sprawl. Working with Master Naturalists and an ever-growing team of volunteers as well as students from local colleges and universities, Bob has directed numerous programs ranging from to restoring native grasses from the Blackland Prairie to building pollinator habitats as part of a nationwide campaign (Connemara was recently identified as a Monarch Waystation by MonarchWatch.org). He has pursued and secured grants and contributions that allow Connemara to provide conservation education to area students and he was worked closely with Boy Scouts on their Eagle projects and Girl Scouts working on their Gold Awards with Meadow-related project s. Through his efforts, Connemara recently acquired its first tractor for maintenance of the Meadow and as a way to attract more people to the Meadow he has organized a variety of family-friendly outdoor programs and has even used his mowing skills to cut an extensive maze for kids and adults in the high Meadow grasses. He is a very deserving nominee.

Leadership (Nominee demonstrates leadership through example, knowledge, attitude)

Bob continually recruits volunteers and leads them on weekly restoration activities regardless of the weather and in addition to serving as chair of the Meadow Preserve Steering Committee has served as vice-president of the Connemara Board of Trustees.

Environmental Impact (Nominee demonstrates a positive impact on the local environment via policy change, product offering, significant volunteer contribution, or other achievement)

Through the efforts outlined above, Bob is having a significant impact on the local environment by protecting and restoring the 72-acre nature preserve located right in the middle of the Allen-Plano suburban sprawl. His programs educate current and future generations on the importance of conservation. In addition, he also is involved in monitoring the more than 6,000 acres of open space protected through easements by the Connemara Conservancy.

Community Impact (Nominee demonstrates commitment to DFW green community through involvement with causes, business ventures or organizations)

Bob is a Master Naturalist and continually recruits and hosts field trips for organizations, school, scout and civic groups in the Meadow in order to educate them on the need and importance of protecting open space and its impact on our quality of life.

Other reasons for your nomination

The bottom line is that Bob is committed to conservation and introducing others to the beauty of nature and the need to protect it.