John L. Turner

Member since: 2023

Proposed by: South Side Garden Club of L.I., Zone III

Seconded by: North Suffolk Garden Club, Zone III

For more than forty years, John Turner has been an extraordinary environmental advocate, educator, and protector of open space. He is the Senior Conservation Policy Advocate for the Seatuck Environmental Association and President and Founder of Alula Birding & Natural History Tours.

John co-founded the Long Island Pine Barrens Society which introduced and spearheaded the passing of the landmark 1993 Pine Barrens Protection Act. This act has saved 100,000 acres of Long Island wilderness and protected a critical aquifer. The Pine Barrens are a 900-square-mile ecosystem that plays a crucial role in filtering rainwater. He's also led efforts to save the Diamondback Terrapin, prevent bird strike deaths and help wood frogs and other wildlife move safely to their breeding grounds by building an under-highway tunnel.

A knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide and presenter, he has written numerous articles and published two books, Exploring the Other Island and a children's book Waylon's Wandering Waterdrop. A teacher at heart, John generously shares his knowledge about open space, birds and other conservation topics with others including GCA club members.