Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Program is the recipient of the tenth annual Richard B. Fischer Environmental Conservation Award. The award was established by the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board to honor Dr. Fischer for his significant efforts to preserve important environmental resources in the Town.

Members of the Conservation Board presented the award to representatives of the Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Program at a tree planting ceremony on May, 11, 2013, along the East Ithaca Recreation Way, approximately half way between the Game Farm Road and Maple Avenue trailheads, across from the McDaniel's Nut Grove Kiosk. 

Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Program is being honored for their active contribution to the improvement of the Town of Ithaca’s natural environment.  They are stewards of more than 3,400 acres of biologically important sites throughout the Fingers Lakes Region.  Within the Town of Ithaca, Plantations protects and manages nearly 600 acres of natural areas, including Bluegrass Lane, Coy Glen, Lick Brook, Mitchell Street Hawthorn Thicket, Steep Hollow Creek, South Hill Swamp, and Upper Cascadilla Creek.  Their commitment to sustainability, continuous work maintaining recreational access to nature, and dedication to teaching citizens about nature stewardship in and around Ithaca make us really glad to have them in our neighborhood.