2005 David Morehouse Memorial Award

Johnston Receives 3rd Annual Morehouse Award

Her efforts are so quietly executed that they could easily be overlooked. Each year someone who has shown dedication to protecting the Cayuga Lake Watershed is recognized with the David Morehouse Award. Roxanna Johnston, the 2005 recipient, has played an active and vital role in the restoration and protection of the Cayuga Watershed since she came to this area more than six years ago to work as an Environmental Analyst for the City of Ithaca Water Treatment Plant. Johnston has gone far beyond the requirements of the job. She assisted the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization during the watershed management process that produced the watershed-wide Restoration and Protection Plan, served as committee chair with the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, organized programs for the Tompkins County Water Resources Council and shared her expertise with the volunteer watershed committees for Fall Creek and the Town of Caroline.

Professor O'Leary of Wells College who submitted one of the nominations noted the professionalism, enthusiasm, reliability, and affability Johnston brings to educational programs. These have included participating in the Wells College Symposium on Service and Activism, expanding National Water Week celebrations, hosting Water In Water Outto educate municipal leaders and citizens about water and wastewater treatment, reviewing Essay Contest submissions, staffing educational displays and giving presentations to people ranging in age from seniors to toddlers. Johnston's enthusiasm for watershed protection is infectious. She has inspired many a watershed citizen and facilitated their emergence as watershed protectors in their own right.

Judy Pipher of Seneca Falls, who also nominated Johnston, noted the recipient's quiet yet effective manner, and skill leading special activities for youth at St. Marys in Waterloo and the middle school in Romulus. Johnston also served as a panelist at Environmental Film Festivals, made science relevant to students at Drydens Elementary Science Fairs and is a conscientious and dependable member of the Watershed Networks Outreach Committee.

Johnston embodies what it means to be a leader. She demonstrates a commitment to watershed preservation and restoration through both personal action and outreach to others. Her commitment to the Cayuga Lake Watershed has profound and far-reaching effects through the many people with whom she interacts.

Nominations for the David Morehouse Award are accepted annually by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network.