Proposed by: North Country Garden Club of Long Island, Zone III

A passionate, dedicated, and connected environmentalist, Lisa W. Ott has dedicated herself to protecting our land and water and inspiring others to do so as well.

Lisa helped found the North Shore Land Alliance twenty years ago and has since served as the organization’s only president and CEO. Since its founding, the 4,400-member organization has grown to a staff of 12 and 225 volunteers. Under her leadership, the organization has protected more than 1,300 acres of land and operates 14 public nature preserves. Her efforts have provided residents of all ages and diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to connect with nature and learn how they can help protect our land, air, and water.

Lisa is equally passionate about conservation and conservation education within the GCA. She served as her club’s Conservation and NAL chair and in leadership positions on the GCA’s Conservation Committee before chairing the National Affairs & Legislation Committee. She helped pass The Great American Outdoors Act, arguably the most important conservation legislation in 50 years. She wrote the “Call to Action,” which rallied club members to advocate for the act that reinvests in national parks, funds water and land conservation, and provides new parks and trails.

Lisa W. Ott embodies the best of the GCA and serves as a visionary role model for us all.