Our Executive Director honored by Garden Club of America

In May, the Garden Club of America honored NJCF Executive Director Michele S. Byers with a statewide award—the Zone IV Conservation Award. She was nominated by the Garden Club of Morristown and the honor was seconded by the Short Hills Garden Club.

"NJCF has been in the forefront of land preservation policy including legislation to protect the Highlands, Pinelands, farmland, water quality and every Green Acres bond act," said Darby Anne Scott, First Vice President of the Garden Club of Morristown. "As NJCF's Executive Director, Michele has provided exceptional creative leadership. Her dedication to our state is a legacy that will benefit generations to come."

Cynthia Kellogg of the Short Hills Garden Club also strongly supported the nomination.

"As a past trustee of New Jersey Conservation Foundation for over twelve years," said Kellogg, "I consider myself fortunate to have been able to watch her in action first hand! She is truly an inspiration to all of us who have been lucky enough to know her. Her accomplishments are so many and so varied. Her wisdom, courage, and tenaciousness as well as her thoughtful, kind and gentle manner make her a truly wonderful friend as well as leader."

Since 1982 Michele has been in the forefront of the State's efforts to preserve New Jersey's natural resources. Michele became Executive Director of NJCF in 1999. As Executive Director Michele oversees all programs, including land acquisition and stewardship, land use policy and conservation technical assistance to conservation partners.

Prior to becoming Executive Director, she served as Assistant Director for 11 years and spearheaded NJCF's work in the Pine Barrens, helping found the Pinelands Preservation Alliance and Whitesbog Preservation Trust. In 1995, Michele was appointed to the State Planning Commission and was named as Vice Chair in 1998. She serves as Chair of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition and is former Chair of New Jersey's Freshwater Wetlands Mitigation Council.