The Friends for the Abbott Marshlands are pleased to announce that Stephen Kuntz is the recipient of the 2022 Mary Allesio Leck Award. The award is presented each year in recognition of exceptional volunteer service in the Abbott Marshlands. The Award was presented on Saturday, April 30th at the Annual Meeting of the Friends for the Abbott Marshlands.
Stephen Kuntz has been a Trail Steward for the Friends of the Abbott Marshlands since the inception of the program 3 years ago. Stephen has been wonderfully consistent in his trail visits. He regularly submits detailed and informative trail reports. Thanks to his diligence, we have been able to keep the park owners informed about conditions on the trials, including any hazards, such as downed trees, to make sure that the trail remains accessible to the public.
In addition to his trail work, Stephen is almost always present for any volunteer stewardship activities that are promoted by the Friends. Whether it is removing invasive mile-a-minute vines in Roebling Park or cleaning up trash on Lamberton Road, Stephen has been consistently willing to help.
Kelly Rypkema, Director of Environmental Education for the Mercer County Park Commission, also presented Stephen with a letter of commendation from Aaron Watson, Executive Director of the Park Commission. Kelly also noted the consistency of Stephen’s support since the opening of the Nature Center, recalling that he was even one of the attendees at the very first program she presented after the opening of the Tulpehaking Nature Center in 2014.
We thank you Stephen for all you do to make the Abbott Marshlands a better place!
The Friends were also pleased to announce several Honorable Mentions for volunteer efforts in the past year. These include: Lori Ingwerson for her participation in multiple stewardship events, Jack Graham and Warren Libensperger for innumberable efforts on behalf of the marshlands, and the Tulpehaking Welcome Team, for their wonderful dedication in volunteering in the Nature Center during Covid Times! (2021 TNC Welcome Team: Carol Wolff, Bob Petruska, Karen Sare, Teresa Stimpfel, Bob Simmons)