Local Conservation Champions Receive Awards
at Barnstable Land Trust’s Annual Meeting and Two New Directors Join the Board
West Barnstable, MA – Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) recognized two local conservation champions at their Annual Meeting on July 17th held at the Maureen Wilkens Science and Engineering Center, Cape Cod Community College. The Founders Award honored Dana Hornig of Marstons Mills and the President’s Award recognized Thomas (Tommy) Burgess of Cotuit. Dick Fairbanks (Centerville) and Terry Karamanos (Osterville) were also elected to the Board of Directors.
“We were excited to recognize these outstanding individuals with our Founders and President’s awards,” says Janet Milkman, Barnstable Land Trust’s Executive Director. “Dana Hornig has been a passionate leader for Cape Cod, advocating for the protection and preservation of our region’s natural resources over many decades. And Tommy Burgess has been a tireless champion for BLT, volunteering in various capacities on land campaigns and as a former board member, leading programs, and serving as an active land steward. Barnstable Land Trust is grateful for the leadership and support of people like Dana and Tommy who are essential to our conservation mission.”
“We are also delighted to welcome two new members to our Board” Milkman continued. “Dick Fairbanks is a recognized leader in both the business and nonprofit communities, and Terry Karamanos brings a wealth of fundraising expertise that includes the environmental sector. Their leadership and insights will be invaluable as Barnstable Land Trust continues to preserve and protect the Cape’s natural assets while also connecting more people on and with the land.”
Annual meeting attendees had the option to tour the state-of-the-art STEM building at Cape Cod Community College. Cape Cod 5 and Cape Cod Package Store sponsored the event, and Cape Cod Woodturners donated handcrafted gifts made from wood found on BLT properties to the Award winners.
(Left to right): Janet Milkman, Executive Director; Dana Hornig, Founder’s Award Recipient; Leigh Townes, Board President; Tommy Burgess, President’s Award Recipient.
(Left to right): Leigh Townes, Board President; New Board Members Terry Karamanos and Dick Fairbanks; Janet Milkman, Executive Director.
Founder’s Award: Dana Hornig (Marstons Mills)
A former BLT board member, Dana covered the Mid-Cape for local newspapers (including the Barnstable Patriot) and was Editor and co-owner of The Register where he guided reporting on Dennis, Yarmouth and Barnstable during the peak development boom. He also authored the foundational “State of the Cape” report (which the Association to Preserve Cape Cod currently produces), championed legislative efforts leading to the establishment of the Cape Cod Land Bank, and was instrumental in introducing nature essayist Robert Finch to Cape Cod readers and eventually the nation.
President’s Award: Thomas K. Burgess (Cotuit)
As a former Barnstable Land Trust board member, Tommy was an important champion who helped to successfully lead the Lowell Park Woodlands campaign including helping to create the popular walking trail around the iconic ballfield. A well-loved faculty emeritus who taught Latin and Greek as well as Ornithology at Brooks School in North Andover (MA), he continues to support BLT’s mission as a dedicated land steward volunteer and program leader, and is a vocal advocate for local conservation priorities.
New Directors
Dick Fairbanks (Centerville) was the President and Owner of Orleans Auto Supply, the leading independent auto parts supplier on Cape Cod for 30 years. Currently a business consultant, he has served on several professional boards and currently serves as the interim Chairman of the Cape and Islands United Way board.
Terry Karamanos (Osterville) is a seasoned nonprofit executive who has held senior leadership positions at Columbia University, Bank Street College of Education, Wagner College, the City University of New York, Baruch College, EMILY's List and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). She continues to do nonprofit consulting and has served on nonprofit boards in New York City, Miami, Cape Cod, MA. and Washington, DC.
More extensive bios can be found here.
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Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) is a community-supported, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving open space and natural resources in the Town of Barnstable and nearby areas. BLT has protected over 1,250 acres in the Town of Barnstable and supported the Town in conserving over 11,000 more. Recognized as a regional leader in collaborative land preservation and stewardship, community engagement, training, and advocacy, BLT leverages its conservation expertise to inform local public decisions as they impact our ecosystems, community health, well-being, and quality of life. To learn more about the organization, see the full calendar of events, or to access one of its three popular trail map guides (Barnstable Trail Guide – English and Portuguese versions, Cape Cod Pathways/Barnstable Trail Guide, and Eagle Pond & Little River Sanctuary Trail Guide), visit http://www.BLT.org or call 508-771-2585.