Senator Nozzolio Honored By Audubon New York

Savannah— With the opening of the Montezuma Audubon Center to the public on May 5^th, visitors have continued to flock to the new Center to learn about and experience this amazing wetlands complex. To celebrate the opening, and all the hard work of individuals that made the vision of the center a reality, Audubon New York honored State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio during its third annual Montezuma Audubon Center Reception at the Sherwood Inn.

Audubon New York is honoring Senator Nozzolio in recognition of his strong commitment and leadership in the development of this incredible new facility. Senator Nozzolio has been instrumental in securing important state funding, and developing key local partnerships to make the Center a success.

“Audubon New York is pleased to honor Senator Michael F. Nozzolio for all that he has done for the Montezuma Audubon Center,” said Al Caccese, Executive Director for Audubon New York, the 50,000 member state program of the National Audubon Society. “Senator Nozzolio has invested much time, effort and funds for the development of this remarkable center, and we look forward to his continued support and leadership to help this facility reach its full potential.”

“It is an honor to be recognized by Audubon New York with this prestigious award,” said Senator Nozzolio. “The recent opening of the Montezuma Audubon Center was the culmination of years of hard work and I applaud everybody that worked on the project for their dedication. It is a pleasure to be a partner with Audubon New York and I look forward to a continued strong relationship in our joint efforts to conserve precious habitats and wildlife for future generations.”

“Senator Nozzolio has been a steadfast supporter of this incredible new center and is very deserving of this distinction,” said Mike Kelleher, Chair of the Montezuma Audubon Advisory Board and President of National Grid. “We thank Senator Nozzolio for all his efforts to help grow this Center, and look forward to continuing this strong partnership for years to come.”

Created in partnership with Audubon, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), US. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, the Montezuma Audubon Center is the first of its kind in Central New York. It will connect thousands of people a year to nature, and will provide public access, research, education, and incredible wildlife-related recreation opportunities.

The Montezuma Wetlands Complex, recognized by Audubon New York as an Important Bird Area (IBA), by the State as a Bird Conservation Area, and internationally as globally important stopover for migratory waterfowl in the Northeast. Prior recipients of this award include Representative James Walsh (2005), and former DEC Commissioner Denise Sheehan (2006).