Stephen Quinn is Named New Jersey's 2023 Medalist for Environmental Stewardship

HAMILTON, NJ---Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission Chair Stephen Quinn was recently honored by the New Jersey Governor’s Office of Volunteerism as its 2023 Medalist for Environmental Stewardship.

The award recognizes volunteers who pioneer and promote energy conservation and environmental action to foster a clean, green, sustainable environment and/or those who establish or revitalize conservation practices and public awareness within the local, state, national or global community.

According to William J. Kettleson, Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Volunteerism and Community Service, honorees of the New Jersey State Governor’s Volunteerism Award achieve measurable community impact and represent outstanding acts of public service, without the expectation of recognition or compensations.

Nominated for the award by Ridgefield Park resident Barbara DeLuca, Quinn a lifelong proponent and advocate for the environment was presented with his award at a recent ceremony held at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton. In accepting his award, Quinn said, "I share this honor with my dear friend John Anlian. Together we have worked tirelessly throughout our lifetime by envisioning, planning and putting all the pieces together to preserve open space in Ridgefield Park, and then finally seeing and celebrating the fruits of this labor of love at the recent opening of the Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve.  Of course I would be remiss if I did not mention my late older brother, naturalist John Quinn, who was a great inspiration to me in my younger years and ignited my interest and love of nature."

“Steve Quinn has devoted his entire life to being a steward of our environment,” said Ridgefield Park Mayor John Anlian. “His leadership as Chair of the Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission, as well as his dedication and vision over the last fifty-years has helped us to create and safeguard open space in our Village.  The end-result was the recent opening of the newly created Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve.”

The nature preserve is located near Ridgefield Park High School and includes 14 acres of open green space located between Overpeck Ave and the New Jersey Turnpike. The nature preserve features a 1-mile trail that travels around the preserve which crosses over three types of environments that include wetlands, meadows, and a forested area that supports a variety of plant and animal life.