Awards

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.