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James Utter to Receive Putnam Land Trust Award
The Putnam County Land Trust has named Stormville resident and environmentalist/ educator Dr. James (Jim) Utter as the recipient of its annual Blue Heron Award. Dr. Utter is the chairman of Friends of the Great Swamp (FrOGS), a group that seeks the protection of this 6000-acre wetland that spans northern Putnam and southern Dutchess counties. The Great Swamp provides habitat for endangered plants and animals including the Bog Turtle and is a resting spot for hundreds of species of migratory birds each year.
The Land Trust also named William G. Sayegh as the recipient of its first Leadership in Giving Award. Mr. Sayegh, founder of Sayegh Law in Carmel, has been very generous both financially and otherwise to the Land Trust. "Bill was our first Corporate Dinner Sponsor and has continued for the past Three years. And, he has gone one step further and encouraged other local businesses to participate in our dinner sponsorship program," said Judy Terlizzi, President of the Putnam County Land Trust. While Mr. Sayegh has strong ties to Putnam County and is very benevolent to many local organizations, "The Land Trust is very dear to my heart," said Sayegh.
Dr. Utter grew up in Oneonta, and became interested in nature through a local Audubon Club there. He completed a Ph.D. in zoology at Rutgers University and has taught environmental science at SUNY Purchase for more than 25 years. After moving to Putnam County, Dr. Utter soon became fascinated with the Great Swamp.
"I've been stomping around in the mud for decades" he says. In the process, he has completed extensive studies of the Swamp's biodiversity, including the vast numbers of migratory birds that populate the watershed. Under his leadership, Friends of the Great Swamp conducts a variety of educational programs, including Migratory Bird Day, Pine Island River Walk, Cross Country Ski Day, and more. "We've got to reach out to the kids because they are our future," says Dr. Utter. "It's important that we protect enough for them to work with and make them aware and sensitive to the natural environment."
We are so appreciative of the leadership of Jim Utter and Bill Sayegh in protecting the unique character and beauty of our county," said Ms. Terlizzi. "We look forward to honoring them at our annual benefit dinner on April 8th."
Putnam County Land Trust maintains more than 500 acres of preserves, most of which are open to the public. For more information, visit www.pclt.net. Dinner reservations may be made by calling 228-4520. Tickets are $45 per person.
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