Each year, at our Annual Celebration, the Monadnock Conservancy presents a Volunteer of the Year Award and typically one other award that honors an individual, business, town, or organization's selfless service to local land conservation efforts. This year, two awards were given, both to people who are dedicated and who share generously their technical expertise.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Peter Beblowski of Antrim was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award. This award is presented annually to an individual for outstanding volunteer service to the Monadnock Conservancy. Peter is a land steward, and, each year for the past 12 years, he has walked the boundaries of and monitored nine of the Conservancy’s conserved properties, many of which are complicated and technical. His reports are always thorough and timely. He’s a volunteer who can be counted on, and for that the Conservancy is very grateful.
John C. Calhoun, Forester, Professional Advisor Award
Wendy Ward of Keene, who has worked with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service since 1995, was presented with the John C. Calhoun, Forester, Professional Advisor Award. Given in recognition of the vision and leadership of consulting forester John Calhoun, this award honors those whose counsel and advice to clients over time represents an enduring legacy for conservation of natural resources important to the people and communities of the Monadnock region. Wendy receives this award for her work with NRCS as well as for her volunteer time (eight years) on the Conservancy’s lands committee. In both roles, her valuable insights help landowners better understand and care for their land.