Honorees recognized at reception at nonprofit’s Osprey headquarters
The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast recently honored its 2022 Conservation Partner of the Year, Nancy Milholland and the group Conserve Bobby Jones Now, along with its 2022 Volunteer of the Year, Mary Lundeberg, the nonprofit has announced.
Milholland and Conserve Bobby Jones Now were recognized “for their integral role in the conservation of the nearly 300-acre Bobby Jones Golf Club” in the city of Sarasota, a news release explains. Lundeberg was named Volunteer of the Year “for her ongoing photographic contributions helping to tell the story of the land” that the Conservation Foundation saves, the release adds.
The honorees received recognition at the Foundation’s Annual Conservation Reception, the release notes.
“We consider ourselves very fortunate to have the supportive and passionate conservation community that we do,” said Christine Johnson, president of the Conservation Foundation, in the release. “It is because of people like Mary Lundeberg, Nancy Milholland, and the group Conserve Bobby Jones Now that we are able to have such a significant impact on this region,” Johnson continued. “We are incredibly grateful for their continued commitment to conservation and generosity of both time and resources.”
“Enthusiastic collaborators,” Milholland and Conserve Bobby Jones Now “worked diligently” to keep members of the community informed and involved throughout the process involving the permanent conservation of a portion of the nearly 100-year-old Bobby Jones Golf Club grounds, the release points out. They shared progress updates and advocacy information, explaining how the public could act in support of the Conservation Foundation’s efforts, the release says.
As for Lundberg, the release continues: “A skilled wildlife and nature photographer,” she has provided “hundreds of high-quality photos” over the years in support of the Conservation Foundation’s work.
“A picture is worth a thousand words and Mary’s photos play a key role in communicating Conservation Foundation’s positive impact,” the release adds. “Her images appear on the organization’s website, in marketing and promotional pieces ranging from newsletters to event invitations,” and in magazine stories and news articles, the release notes.
The Annual Conservation Reception was held at the Foundation’s Bay Preserve headquarters in Osprey, the release says. In addition to recognizing the Conservation Partner of the Year and the Volunteer of the Year, the event celebrated the organization’s annual achievements, which were made possible through the support of the “growing conservation community,” the release adds.
The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast “protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature,” the release explains. “Working with landowners, businesses, and government, Conservation Foundation saves land forever, protecting those special places that make this region extraordinary. A nationally accredited land trust,” the Foundation purchases natural areas, holds voluntary land protection agreements,” and educates the public about responsible land and water stewardship in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties. Learn more about its mission at www.conservationfoundation.com.