Awards

BCAS 2025 Awards were presented January 11, 2026 at DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst.

Our Eagle Festival was an incredible day! It was made even better by our Amazing award honorees

Left to Right – Debora Davidson (Conservation award) – Tina Morris (Chapman Award) – Don Torino (President) – Kevin Karlson (Chapman Award)- Peggy O’Neill (Board recognition award) – Karl Soehnlein (Conservation award)

Kevin Karlson – Chapman Award
Kevin has devoted his life to teaching us about North American birdlife. He is a superb photographer and has done field studies of birds at their Alaskan nesting grounds and in migration. He published 9 books and 5 field guide pamphlets illustrating our bird species, especially helpful for bird identification in the field. Kevin has led hundreds of field trips and is an inspirational speaker at birding festivals across America. He contributed many fine images to online bird atlases. Kevin has worked tirelessly to promote appreciation and conservation of American wildlife.

Tina Morris – Chapman Award
Tina has presented Return to the Sky: The Reintroduction of the Bald Eagle As the bald eagle, our national symbol, was facing extinction in the continental U.S. in 1976, Tina Morris was beginning her graduate work at Cornell University. By luck and circumstance, she was selected to reintroduce the species into New York State in the hope that eagles could repopulate eastern North America. Young, female, with no experience, she faced the challenges of saving this iconic bird while striving for acceptance in the unfamiliar male-dominated world of raptor biology. Playing mother to seven eagles forced her to transcend the isolation and tedium of field research to rescue an endangered species while in turn rescuing herself.

Debora Davidson – Conservation award
We are pleased to honor Debora Davidson with the Harold Feinberg Conservation Award for her work as Executive Director of the Tenafly Nature Center. A foundational mission of her work is connecting people with nature through education, conservation, and community engagement.

With more than two decades of experience in environmental education and nonprofit leadership, Debora has been instrumental in expanding the center’s programs, deepening community partnerships, and advancing local conservation efforts.

In recent years Debora has overseen a new forest management plan development for the park and the remediation of the pond and its habitat. These efforts include many native planting sites designed to improve areas affected by soil impaction and damaged understory. The forest management plan incorporates the planting of tree species that will sustain the effects of warming climate trends.

During the COVID shut-downs, Debora preserved admittance to Tenafly Nature Center, providing precious access to the natural environment when virtually all parks in the County were closed. This required rerouting trails to create one-way traffic and vigilance in enforcing health safety guidelines. She maintained “forest school” activities during this period, offering children the opportunity to be exposed to nature during a time of constrained opportunities.

As a dedicated educator in conservation principles, Debora has long been a strong proponent of enlisting animal ambassadors in efforts to connect people to the natural world, inspiring all to join in conservation efforts. Debora is a founding member of the Bergen County Nature Program Cooperative formed to support mutual local efforts to educate the community in our shared wildlife conservation ideals. She currently serves on the Citizens Advisory Council for the Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey and was a longtime board member with the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education.

Karl Soehnlein – Conservation award
Karl M. Soehnlein is being honored with the Harold Feinberg Conservation Award for his dedicated work in coordinating the State Line Hawk Watch from 2019 through 2025. Karl joins a list of remarkable volunteers who have organized this valuable conservation project since its founding by Linn Pierson in 1996.
The Hawk Watch contributes data to the Hawk Migration Association of North America, allowing researchers to assess the numbers of raptors populating the continent. Coordinators are responsible for scheduling counters morning and afternoon, from Labor Day through November. Karl also maintains the State Line
Hawk Watch Facebook page.

In addition to the data collection effort, Karl’s stewardship of the project brings science to the public in a thoroughly enjoyable way. Newcomers are welcomed and introduced to the art of hawk identification on an individual basis. Karl’s approachability invites the curious and inspires fellow observers to share their knowledge freely, creating a positive learning experience for all.

Karl was introduced to the Hawk Watch as a hiker and photographer. In the years 2011-2019, he studied hawk identification and became a regular at the Watch, picking up shifts as a counter. From that time until today, Karl has devoted long hours, making an enormous contribution to the benefit of conservation science and the legacy of an historic Hawk Watch. We congratulate him on his stellar career at State Line and in receiving the Harold Feinberg Conservation Award.

Peggy O’Neill – Board recognition award
Peggy was a BCAS Board member for many years who worked hard every day to bring the love of birds and nature to everyone with kindness and caring for all.

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BCAS 2024 awards were presented January 12, 2025 at DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst

Harold Feinberg Award – Krishna Rege

Krishna Rege, a dedicated member of the Closter Environmental Commission, exemplifies the spirit of environmental stewardship and community engagement that the Harold Feinberg Conservation Award seeks to recognize. Her tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the
ecological health and sustainability of Closter, New Jersey.
We recognize Mrs. Rege’s outstanding achievement in spearheading the Native Pollinator Garden initiative in Closter. This project not only beautifies the town but also plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems by providing essential habitats for pollinators. Her vision and leadership in this endeavor demonstrate a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of native flora and fauna, and the importance of preserving biodiversity in urban environments.
Beyond the Pollinator Garden, Mrs. Rege’s commitment to environmental causes is evident in her multifaceted approach to conservation. Her involvement in the “No Mow May” campaign showcases her dedication to educating the community about simple yet effective ways to support wildlife. By encouraging residents to delay lawn mowing, she has helped create temporary habitats for early-season pollinators, contributing to the overall health of local ecosystems.
Mrs. Rege’s hands-on approach is further exemplified by her work at MacBain Farm, where she coordinates with other volunteers, including high school students who participate by working at the farm every weekend during the summer to collect fresh produce for the food pantry and the Senior Citizen Center. Her efforts not only promote local food production but also serve as an educational platform for the community to learn about environmentally friendly farming methods.
The Annual Closter Clean-Up Day, another initiative Mrs. Rege actively supports, demonstrates her commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of Closter’s natural spaces. This event not only improves the town’s appearance but also raises awareness about the importance of responsible waste management.
Mrs. Rege has also been instrumental in launching a composting initiative in Closter. This program addresses the critical issue of organic waste management, reducing landfill contributions while creating valuable resources for local gardens and farms.
In recognition of these efforts, Bergen County Audubon is proud to present Krishna Rege with the Harold Feinberg Conservation Award for 2024.

Harold Feinberg Conservation Award – Edna Duffy

Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonelli along with the Town Council praise Edna Duffy for being an ardent, exemplary, and vocal supporter of conservation efforts; for laying the groundwork for many of the Secaucus Environmental Department’s successful programs; and for partnering with a range of individuals and groups to implement conservation efforts in Secaucus. She is acknowledged as a consistent, vocal, and dedicated leader in conservation efforts in Secaucus and has spearheaded many eco-friendly initiatives in Town over the last 30 years.
Here are a few of her accomplishments over these decades:
*Edna volunteered as secretary of the Shade Tree Committee in the 90s, helping increase the tree canopy in the area, saving existing trees and preserving much needed habitat for birds and small animals. Her efforts continued the momentum for a cleaner, greener Town—a plan that has led Secaucus to Tree City USA status for 31 consecutive years.
*Edna’s firm belief in “save and build habitats and they shall come” resulted in her relentless pursuit of creating and nurturing spaces that are inviting for wildlife. She is a strong supporter of native gardens and helped create a butterfly garden at Fountain Park that was featured in National Geographic Magazine. Other gardens were created in local churchyards, at the Duck Pond, and Monarch Park on Radio Avenue.
*Anyone who knows Edna knows her passion for birding. She documented the appearance of a Calliope hummingbird in her yard that is typically only found on the West Coast. She monitors common and rare birds and advocates locally to protect habitats.
*Edna has supported Hackensack Riverkeeper conservation activities for over two decades. From protecting nesting habitat to advocating for safe migration paths, Edna leaves no stone unturned in achieving her goals.
*For many years Edna and her son wrote a birding column in the Home News, a popular local newspaper. Her passion for nature, conservation and the environment have engaged others as she continues to marvel at nature’s diversity as well as advocate for the wildlife she encounters.
Bergen County Audubon is proud to award Edna Duffy with the Harold Feinberg Conservation for 2024.

Frank M. Chapman Award Honors Don Smith

BCAS is proud to award the Frank Chapman Award to Don Smith, a long time champion for preservation of the Meadowlands. Don Smith has been called “Mr. Meadowlands.” He has devoted his life to the preservation and protection of our avian wildlife and the habitat they need to live and  thrive. He is also a native son of NJ, as was Frank Chapman.

Don grew up exploring and discovering the marshes of the Meadowlands. He is a Little Ferry native, a retired Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commissioner, naturalist, outdoorsman, and storyteller. Don Smith himself, is one of the natural treasures of the Meadowlands and one of the key figures in the region’s comeback.

  

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BCAS presented 2023 local conservation awards on November 5th at DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst.

BCAS honored Mayor John Anlian of Ridgefield Park with the 2023 Harold Feinberg Conservation Award in recognition of his success in a decades-long effort to establish a nature preserve in the Town.

John Anlian, Feinberg Conservation Award winner, recognized the critical importance of preserving habitat before his election to public office. With the help of Stephen and Linda Quinn, he shared his goals for land preservation with the Ridgefield Park community and gained support. In a county where development dominates, Anlian succeeded in fostering the values of protection of the natural environment. He patiently worked to allocate funds to acquire private property at low cost in order to consolidate the plan and establish the Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve. Dedicated to a vision of an environmentally responsible community, Anlian initiated the founding of the Environmental Commission, Shade Tree Commission, and Village Green Team, and founded an annual educational Earth Day celebration in Ridgefield Park. John Anlian is a model for elected officials who wish to be responsive to their communities that crave a respite from unbridled development and wish to preserve natural habitat.

The Jill Homcy Memorial Award 2023 for preservation of the Meadowlands environment through photographic and video documentation was awarded to John Dunstan for his stunning images of wildlife featured on Wild Jersey City.

John Dunstan’s images evoke the essence of Meadowlands ecology; from lumbering Harbor Seals at Caven Point at Liberty State Park, to his stealthy photos of backyard insects. His documentation of Lincoln Park Wetlands Restoration is evidence of the value of public preservation projects, and the extraordinary natural benefits they offer. Shorebird photographs with the urban landscape figured in the background illustrate how close we are to a vibrant natural world and how it may be appreciated when proper attention is paid.

Bergen County Audubon Society Named Emilia Lorenz As Recipient of 2022 Jill Homcy Memorial Award

The board members of Bergen County Audubon Society named the winner of the 2022 Jill Homcy Memorial Award was Emilia Lorenz, recognized for her unwavering dedication to promoting the preservation of the environment in the Meadowlands through her stunning landscape and wildlife photography and videography.

This award honors Jill’s memory by recognizing a photographer or videographer whose skill and passion behind the lens has raised awareness to preserve and protect wildlife and natural habitat in our region.
 
 

Pat Knight and Tammy Laverty selected for the Bergen Audubon/Harold Feinberg Conservation Award 2022

From Don Torino: One of the best things about leading Bergen Audubon Society as the president has been the opportunity to meet many devoted, hardworking people in many small communities in our area that are committed to conservation and making the environment a better place for their neighbors and the wildlife around them. These unsung heroes have given of themselves with little recognition and often with much personal sacrifice.