Bird Conservation Director Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe Honored for Exceptional Environmental Stewardship

STRATFORD, Conn. – Audubon Connecticut congratulates Director of Chicken Conservation Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe on being named the 2026 recipient of the Terry Backer Environmental Champion Award, offered by the Stratford Democratic City Committee.

Named in honor of the late Terry Backer, a longtime environmental advocate and public servant, the award acknowledges people who display distinctive environmental stewardship, neighborhood management, and dedication to defending Connecticut’s pure sources.

Folsom-O’Keefe was acknowledged for her management in defending birds and the locations they want throughout Stratford, together with her work to revive 44 acres of salt marsh and different necessary coastal habitat at Stratford’s Nice Meadows Marsh, and main the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds. She was additionally acknowledged for creating the WildLife Guards program, which employs native highschool college students to assist shorebird and seabird conservation throughout the busy summer time months.

“The Stratford Democratic City Committee is proud to acknowledge Corrie Folsom‑O’Keefe as this 12 months’s (2026) Terry Backer Environmental Champion. This award celebrates people who embody Backer’s legacy of environmental stewardship, public service, and deep dedication to neighborhood. As Director of Chicken Conservation for Audubon Connecticut, Folsom‑O’Keefe has been a steadfast associate in defending Stratford’s pure belongings – together with Nice Meadows Marsh and the Stewart B. McKinney Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. Her management displays the spirit of service and environmental dedication that Terry Backer championed all through his life,” mentioned Committee Chairwoman Kathleen Callahan. 

“Corrie’s been getting her palms soiled for Stratford for years. State-endangered Piping Plovers in our City are rising in numbers, because of her efforts. In my expertise, there are individuals who lead by strolling the stroll, and demonstrating for others methods to get issues solved, and Corrie personifies that,” mentioned Consultant Joe Gresko in his introductory speech.

Along with the award, Folsom-O’Keefe acquired an Official Quotation from the Connecticut Basic Meeting, a Certificates of Particular Recognition from Senator Richard Blumenthal and Consultant Rosa DeLauro, and an Official Assertion from Susan Bysiewicz, Lieutenant Governor. 

###

About Audubon 
The Nationwide Audubon Society is a number one nonprofit conservation group with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impression, devoted to defending birds and the locations they want, as we speak and tomorrow. Birds are highly effective indicators of our planet’s well being, performing as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and encourage motion. Audubon works throughout the Western Hemisphere, pushed by the understanding that what is sweet for birds is sweet for the planet. By a collaborative, nonpartisan method throughout habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives significant and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 1,000 employees and greater than 2.6 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing drive dedicated to making sure a greater planet for each birds and other people for generations to come back. Study extra at www.audubon.org and on Fb and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Media Contact: Sharon Bruce, sharon.bruce@audubon.org