Tom ODell of Westbrook, who was referred to as “a lion in the conservation community” by his nominator, has dedicated most of his life to conservation work, having worked for the U.S. Forest Services for 36 years. He also volunteered for local, regional, and state environmental organizations, has been active in Westbrook’s Conservation Commission for 50 years, and helped to preserve the Menunketesuck Greenway, which will remain protected thanks to his volunteer work. “It has been a learning and rewarding experience to work with and lead other volunteers with the same passionate interest in conservation of natural resources,” he says.