Awards

NYSBS Awards

The listing beneath the photo gallery of recent award winners identifies those who have been honored by NYSBS.  Each one is an interesting story. For each one of them, dozens of others toil in anonymity to encourage bluebirds. 

For the Society’s first 12 years, recognition awards were given.  Then, in 1998, in recognition of Fran Hanes, and her legacy to the society, the award became the Fran Hanes Memorial Conservation Award.  The award was created to honor Fran Hanes, a founding member and the Society’s first president.  Fran dedicated her life to bluebirds and inspired others to follow in her steps.  The award is given in recognition of an individual’s work in bluebird conservation. 

In 2006 the NYSBS created the Herman Bressler Award.  Mr. Bressler donated tens of thousands of nest boxes,  nest box kits and feeders to the New York State Bluebird Society.  His industry and generosity set a high standard of commitment to the NYSBS.  In recognition of his contribution to the Society, the Bressler Service Award was created to be given annually to a person who demonstrated extraordinary service in support of NYSBS.

Award winners from 2010 to present. Click on the thumbnails for more information and a larger version of the photos.

Cliff Davis receiving the 2022 Hermann Bressler award
Pete Van Hensbroek, recipient of the 2022 Fran Hanes Award, with one of his boxes.
Peggy Lauber, recipient of the 2021 Herman Bressler Award. Award was mailed to Peggy due to COVID.
Martha Moran, recipient of the 2021 Hanes award. Award was mailed to Martha due to COVID.
Hans Kunz, recipient of the 2020 Herman Bressler award. Award was delivered by John Ruska.
Judy Derry (right), recipient of the 2020 Hanes Award. Award was delivered by John Ruska.
Jenny Murtaugh, recipient of the 2019 Hanes award
John Ruska (right) presents the 2019 Bressler award to Carl Zenger (left)
Bill Zitek presents the 2018 Bressler award to Norm and Phyllis Frey
John Rogers receives the 2017 Bressler award
Bill Zitek presents the 2016 Hanes award to Rich Wells
Kimberly Corwin, recipient of the 2016 Bressler award
John Ruska presenting the 2015 Fran Hanes award to Deb Wines
John Ruska presenting the 2015 Bressler Award to Jonathan and Lynne Ridgeway.
Sarah Hodder and Mark Couchman receive the 2014 Fran Hanes Award.
Niles Brown, recipient of the 2014 Bressler Award
Bill Zitek presenting the 2013 Herman Bressler award to John and Beverly Ruska
Bill Zitek presenting the 2013 Fran Hanes award to Elaine Crossley
John Ruska presenting the 2012 Fran Hanes Award to Jim Engelbrecht.
Cherie Layton, recipient of the 2012 Bressler Award
Rich Wells presenting the 2011 Fran Hanes Award to Henry Robie
Van Travis presenting the 2011 Herman Bressler Award to Murial Prianti.
Rich Wells presenting 2010 Fran Hanes Award to Bill Zitek.
David Smith presenting 2010 Herman Bressler Award to Ray Briggs.
New York State Bluebird Society Incorporated Annual Awards 2021 – 1985