Princeton NJ Non-Profit Press Releases

WATERSHED DIRECTOR AND TRUSTEE RECEIVE HONORS FROM GARDEN CLUB OF AMERICA

On May 10, at their Zone IV Annual Meeting in Plainfield, The Garden Club of America

presented awards to Jim Waltman, Executive Director of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, and longtime Watershed Trustee Margaret Gorrie. Waltman received the Zone Civic Improvement Commendation. The citation read: “For his dedication and enthusiastic leadership in protecting clean water and a healthy environment in central New Jersey through conservation, advocacy, science and education.”  Gorrie, a member of the Stony Brook Garden Club, received the Zone Conservation Award for her extraordinary commitment to the environment and its preservation.

The Garden Club of Princeton and Stony Brook Garden Club joined together to propose

Mr. Waltman and Ms. Gorrie for these honors. Mr. Waltman has worked tirelessly since becoming Executive Director of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association to protect land and water resources.  "Jim is one of the smartest, most devoted environmentalists I have the pleasure knowing," said Awards Chair of Stony Brook Garden Club Lori Citrone. “His passion for a healthy environment has impressed and inspired many during his seven years as Executive Director of the Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association."

Prior to joining the Watershed Association, Mr. Waltman was director of the refuges

and wildlife program for the Wilderness Society in Washington D.C. For 10 years he

represented the Society on issues relating to the National Wildlife Refuge System,

Alaska public lands, endangered species, and other wildlife matters. He spent five years

as a wildlife specialist at the National Audubon Society before joining the Wilderness

Society. Mr. Waltman has a biology degree from Princeton University and a Master of

Environmental Studies from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Ms Gorrie has served two separate terms on the Watershed Board, totaling 11 years. She currently serves Co-Chair of the Campaign Committee, which is leading a $10 million fundraising drive to transform the campus on the 930-acre Watershed Reserve.

“Meg is a stalwart conservationist”, said Mr. Waltman. “She has dedicated an extraordinary amount of time, talent, and energy towards the protection of the environment and the education of children about the natural world.” 

The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, founded in 1949, is central New

Jersey’s first environmental group. Its goal is to improve the health and quality of central

New Jersey’s water and sustain a network of protected habitats for wildlife and people.

Members of The Garden Club of Princeton have tested lake and river water in the

Princeton area for 20 years, under the guidance of the Watershed, and submitted the

results to the Watershed. Zone IV of the GCA is comprised of the 12 GCA clubs in New

Jersey. There are 199 member clubs nation-wide.