New York, NY — November 11, 2008 — Both the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Open Space Institute have been honored by their peers for their achievements in the land conservation field.
On November 11, President Joe Martens was recognized by the Environmental Advocates of New York with a 2008 Advocate Award. Every year the Environmental Advocates of New York’s Board of Directors honor conservation heroes whose contributions and leadership have made the state’s environmental community a strong and effective force.
Martens, OSI’s president since 1998, has spearheaded the conservation of the 10,000-acre Tahawus property in the Adirondacks High Peaks; 1,200 acres of farms and historic lands around Saratoga National Battlefield; “Top Cottage,” the retirement home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt; and 1,100 acres of lands to be added to John Boyd Thacher State in the Helderbergs, among many other conservation initiatives.
On October 29, CEO Christopher “Kim” J. Elliman was honored by the Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC) for his life-long dedication to protecting public spaces and natural habitats and sustaining community character. Elliman is also a CENYC board member and has been involved with the group for 30 years.
Elliman’s accomplishments include the protection of 15,000 acres that became Sterling Forest State Park; 7,000 acres added to Fahnestock State Park; 3,000 acres that became Schunnemunk State Park; and 2,200 acres, through easements, in the Catskills Beaverkill Valley, to name a few.
“OSI is grateful that both its CEO and President have been honored at separate events—Joe Martens by Environmental Advocates, and Kim Elliman by the Council on the Environment of New York City. The work of these two environmental leaders has been instrumental in developing OSI’s programs and innovative approach, which has led to the protection of 100,000 acres in the Hudson River Valley, and 1.7 million acres across the eastern United States,” said OSI Chairman John H. Adams. “We thank both CENYC and EA for their recognition of OSI’s leaders, and congratulate both organizations on their outstanding and visionary work.”