State Representative Leonard Bembry, (right) is honored with the Audubon of Florida Sustainable Forestry Award by Audubon Executive Director Eric Draper.
Landowner, legislator and local businessman Leonard Bembry is this year’s recipient of Audubon’s Sustainable Forestry Award. Each year Audubon of Florida recognizes one deserving sustainable forestry operation for its contributions to conservation of Florida’s natural resources. The award was presented at the Florida Forestry Association Annual Meeting in Destin on September 9, 2010.
Before announcing the honor, Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon of Florida shared that “Leonard Bembry harbors a holistic view of owning forestland, recognizing the overall environmental health of the land is dependent on all of its natural resources. He lists lots of reasons for owning timberland --aesthetics, wildlife, peace and tranquility -- all things he and his family can enjoy while the trees grow.”
“Everything that is wild and wonderful about north Florida is preserved on the Bembry property, “ says Jeff Doran, Executive Vice President, Florida Forestry Association. “Leonard Bembry lives to leave the land in better condition than he found it and make Florida a better place for the next generation. He represents the heart and soul of a landowner and the stewardship spirit of a true conservationist.” Doran exclaimed.
On accepting the award, Representative Bembry expressed his pride in being counted among Florida’s first and finest environmentalist – generations of farmers and foresters who learned long ago that perpetuating our natural resources is valuable to all of society. I am glad I can play a small part in that,” Bembry said.
Safeguarding this heritage for their children and grandchildren is one reason the Bembry’s participate in the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program. This recognition program helps landowners implement measures to help protect and conserve water in the Suwannee River Basin for future generations.
“One of the best declarations of the family’s commitment to conservation is the land stewardship and work ethic of the Bembry’s three children. That very well could be the best example of sustainability and why Representative Bembry deserves this award, Draper concluded.
For more information contact the Florida Forestry Association.
