Middleton’s Sustainability Committee announced in the fall of 2022 the creation of the “Sustainable Middleton” award to recognize businesses, organizations and individuals who have implemented significant sustainability actions or practices in the City of Middleton over the past year or more. The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy were given one of the awards; “For stewarding the Conservancy by restoring its wetlands and oak savanna to improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat (including for grassland birds), and produce prairie seeds for other restorations; and by fostering environmental education and recreation.” The Friends of PBC were recognized for their service and awarded the plaque at the Middleton’s City Council Meeting on April 4th. Copies of the plaque can be seen in each of the Conservancy’s kiosks.
In the picture from left to right are Hans Hilbert (Co-president of the FOPBC) receiving the award, Deb Weitzel (Education Committee Chair for the FOPBC and Sustainability Committee Member), Dick Lathrop (Member of the Sustainability Committee) and Kristie Pulvermacher (Member of the Sustainability Committee). Deb Weitzel deserves special recognition, not only for being instrumental in creating this award, but also for having been on the Sustainability Committee for five years and having been the Chair of the FOPBC Education Committee for over 20 years. Lastly, the plaque was made from locally salvaged trees from Bock Forest within the Conservancy and crafted, in part, by Dick Lathrop. We are indeed honored!