Science-to-Action Conservation

Supported policy and advocacy initiatives that contributed to the establishment of the Galapagos Marine Reserve in 1998, a protected marine area spanning 138,000 km².

Provided support for Project Isabela, a conservation initiative launched in partnership with the Galapagos National Park in 1997 to eradicate invasive goats, donkeys, and pigs from Isabela, Santiago, and Pinta islands.

Supports the Charles Darwin Foundation’s giant tortoise breeding program, which has led to the reintroduction of over 8,000 tortoises into the wild since 1965, contributing to species recovery and ecosystem restoration in the Galapagos.

Supports decades of scientific research and educational outreach in the Galapagos Islands that advance global understanding of the region’s social, natural, and evolutionary history.

Financed research that led to the introduction of the Australian ladybug in 2002 as a biological control method to manage the invasive cottony cushion scale threatening 98 native plant species in the Galapagos.

Provides financial and operational support to the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands, enabling its research, conservation, and educational initiatives. This includes funding long-standing programs such as giant tortoise breeding and invasive species eradication.

Has led over 40 educational tours of the Galapagos Islands and spearheaded multiple fundraising campaigns to support the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station.

Preserves crucial environmental scientific data for long-term use, ensuring accessibility and integrity for future research and analysis.

Engages in the preservation and conservation of Raquette Lake and its watershed through education, advocacy, and community involvement, including organizing events and outreach initiatives.

Participates in the Adirondack Lake Assessment Program (ALAP) since 2003 and the Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP), collecting monthly water samples during summer months using certified labs and standardized protocols to track long-term trends such as decreasing lake transparency.

Conducted benthic barrier deployment and hand harvesting across more than 50 acres of Raquette Lake and the Marion River over four years to manage Variable Leaf Milfoil, in compliance with DEC and Adirondack Park Agency permits, supported by $50,000 in expenditures.

Trains and coordinates a team of approximately 10 volunteers to conduct annual shoreline surveys for aquatic invasive species, including Variable Leaf Milfoil, with data reported to APIPP and iMapInvasives.

Developed a Lake Management Plan to combat aquatic invasive species, including hiring Northeast Aquatic Research to support its development and conducting ongoing remediation efforts targeting Variable Leaf Milfoil in Raquette Lake and the Marion River.

Coordinates volunteer participation in the Annual New York Loon Census on Raquette Lake, recording and reporting annual data on adult and chick loons since 2001 to monitor breeding population trends.

Organizes volunteer efforts for invasive-species control, lake clean-ups, event planning, boat-launch operations, and community outreach to support watershed preservation.

Identifies and promotes Raquette Lake as the largest natural lake within Adirondack Park, enhancing public awareness of its environmental and recreational value.

Supports the boat launch steward program through The Adirondack Watershed Institute to inspect watercraft and prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species into Raquette Lake.

Provides logistical and limited financial support to external institutions conducting research on aquatic invasive species prevention and control in Raquette Lake.