Dr. Nina Schoch, coordinator of Biodiversity Research Institute’s Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, will be one of nine individuals inducted to The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall at a banquet to be held Saturday, April 26 in Canastota.
Under Schoch’s leadership the BRI’s loon program has involved hundreds of volunteers, school children, and government agencies in protecting the iconic symbol of the Adirondack wilderness.
The loon census, banding, research on health issues, and public awareness programs of the ACLC have contributed greatly to the dramatic increase in the loon population in the past three decades.A key part of her success has been involving citizens in the research, volunteer efforts, and spreading the word about how to protect loons.
For example, “Science on the Fly,” a middle school curriculum involves students in the scientific process, research, and awareness of environmental issues.
Involving volunteers in the census and banding of loons has made many people aware of the problems and helped create a large pool of citizens willing to speak or support these environmental issues.
Schoch’s influence has spread beyond the preservation of the Adirondack loons.
Her scientific research on the amount and the dangers of mercury in the environment has contributed to the policies and efforts to control emissions and mercury deposition.
She initiated a program with Gremlin Sinker Company where anglers could trade lead sinkers for non-toxic ones.
The publicity campaign and placement of containers to recycle fishing line at boat launches throughout the Adirondacks is helping make people aware of the threat of discarded fishing line, hooks, etc. to loons, other waterfowl and eagles.
Also being inducted is Syracuse-area wildlife artist Tom Lenweaver, who has used his talent to help promote many sportsmen’s and conservation organizations.
A frequent visitor to the Adirondacks, his painting “Backwater Morning” was recognized as the Outstanding Adirondack Painting at the 2007 Central Adirondack Art Show at View, the arts center in Old Forge.
He also received a second place award in the 2009 show and was Masters Division Winner in 2010.
Donations of his paintings have helped raise thousands of dollars for organizations such as CNY Wildfowlers, Friends of Carpenters Brook, Pheasants Unlimited, Onondaga County Federation, and others.
He currently is on the Board of Directors of the Great Swamp Conservancy in Lenox.
The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to honoring sportsmen who have made significant achievements in outdoors-related fields.
More importantly, they are recognized for their longtime service in preserving our outdoor heritage and helping others experience it.
The NYSOHOF is also involved in programs such as kids fishing clinics, youth hunts, seminars, and similar activities.
The annual banquet and induction will involve sportsmen and organizations from all across New York State.
It will be held at the Rusty Rail in Canastota. Registration and social hour will begin at 5 p.m. and dinner follows at 6 p.m.
Guests and interested parties are welcome. For information or reservations call (315) 363-3896 or (315) 829-3588. Reservations will be accepted until April 19th.
