Senator Fuschillo Names North Merrick Resident a New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction”

Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo presents Betsy Gulotta with the plaque that was displayed in Albany in honor of her being a New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction.” 

New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently named North Merrick resident Elizabeth “Betsy” Gulotta as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction. 

“Betsy Gulotta has devoted her entire professional career to passing on her love of nature through education and activism. Whether it’s training young scientists or teaching people about our local natural treasures, she has worked tirelessly to help others understand and appreciate the need to preserve and protect our environment. It’s my pleasure to present her with this well-deserved honor,” said Senator Fuschillo. 

Ms. Gulotta has served as an educator at Nassau Community College for over 40 years. As a member of the biology department faculty, she helped generations of students learn about nature through a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Ms. Gulotta regularly engages her students in field studies and management projects to help them gain first-hand experience. Her dedication to education earned her the New York State Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. 

            Since 2001, Ms. Gulotta has served as conservation project manager for the nonprofit organization Friends of Hempstead Plains at Nassau Community College. She continues to lead efforts to preserve, restore, and educate Long Islanders about the Hempstead Plains, the last remaining portion of a native prairie grassland which once covered 40,000 acres of Central Nassau County. She coordinates and participates in research projects, leads tours, gives educational programs, and has written a book to teach people about the history of the Hempstead Plains and the hundreds of plant and animal species which call it home today.  

            Ms. Gulotta is an active member in several different conservation organizations, including Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary, South Shore Audubon Society, Society for Ecological Restoration, and Long Island Botanical Society.  

Ms. Gulotta’s excellence has been recognized by South Shore Audubon Society, Association for the Help of Retarded Children, Long Island Arts Council, Daughters of American Revolution, Soroptimist International, and Kiwanis Club. 

          The Senate’s “Women of Distinction” program recognizes outstanding women living and working in New York State whose contributions have greatly enriched the quality of life in their communities and beyond. 

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