Volunteer and Former Board Member Lena Gallitano Honored with ĢAv Award
The ĢAv has selected Lena Gallitano of Raleigh as a 2013 Atlantic Flyway William Dutcher Award winner. The award was announced July 14 at the ĢAv Convention in Stevenson, WA.
Gallitano, of the Wake ĢAv Society chapter, was recognized for outstanding leadership in several projects aimed at protecting and understanding birdlife.
“People like Lena truly make ĢAv amazing,” said ĢAv President and CEO . “Her boundless energy and commitment to conservation amazes and inspires those around her. She demonstrates the power of a citizen network like ĢAv.”
An avid birder, Ms. Gallitano instigated the North Carolina Birding Trail that she views as a pathway for bringing economic benefits to our state through nature based tourism, and in turn, creating ethics of conservation through education. A former member of the ĢAv North Carolina board of trustees, she rode her bicycle 500 miles across the state to raise funds for bird protection, and served as the liaison between the state office and 10 statewide ĢAv chapters. Ms. Gallitano had previously won the Volunteer of the Year award from ĢAv North Carolina, and the Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award for Wildlife Volunteer of the Year.
“It is my privilege to volunteer on these projects, not only for the birds but also for future generations” said Gallitano.
The William Dutcher Award was established to recognize outstanding ĢAv volunteers who exemplify the standard of service to ĢAv established by William Dutcher. As beneficiaries of Dutcher’s legacy, ĢAv members can be proud to emulate him.
William Dutcher was the first chairman of the National Association of ĢAv Societies in 1905. A tireless birder, researcher and scholar, he was one of the first to promote the idea of bird sanctuaries, conservation education and bird photography. He was instrumental in convincing President Theodore Roosevelt to set aside Pelican Island, the first federal wildlife refuge, and fought for early wildlife laws. Recognizing the need for effective local organizations, Dutcher helped create the first ĢAv chapters and oversaw ĢAv’s growth from a loose-knit federation to a powerful society.
About the ĢAv
Now in its second century, ĢAv connects people with birds, nature and the environment that supports us all. Our national network of community-based nature centers, chapters, scientific, education and advocacy programs engages millions of people from all walks of life in conservation action to protect and restore the natural world. Visit ĢAv online at and follow on Twitter.
