QVAS Receives the First Residential Green Award of 2025
The first Residential Green Award of 2025 was presented to Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society's President Loretta Victor and VP Eric Eichorn by Karen Schnitzer, Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire / Cheshire Pollinator Pathway.
Photo: l-r, CSC Co-Chair Karen Schnitzer and QVAS VP Eric Eichorn
Photo Credit: Cheshire Pollinator Pathway
Karen and Eric are standing behind the former Tappert-Mortensen homestead, now known as the QVAS Farm Museum / Nature Center at Riverbound Farm Sanctuary. Riverbound Farm Sanctuary, on the Quinnipiac River at 1881 Cheshire Street, Cheshire, CT was acquired in December 1989 as a bequest from the Estate of Esther Tappert Mortensen, wife of Reverend Ralph Mortensen, both long-time members of the chapter.
The sanctuary includes a house built in 1814 and 23.4 acres of diverse habitat preserved permanently as open space. Riverbound Farm is dedicated as a memorial to the Tappert and the Mortensen families.
Under Eric and Loretta's guidance, the property abounds with wild native plants and trees, a diverse Pollinator Pathway garden, and a network of well-maintained trails to enjoy nature.
In addition to their stewardship of the Mortensen homestead, Eric and Loretta have advocated for birds, wildlife, and the environment for many decades by providing educational and informative programming.
Cheshire Pollinator Pathway, the Mill River Watershed Association and the Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire are honored to present Eric and Loretta with the award. Gifts included a yard sign, framed certificate, a native plant and a gift certificate to Earth Tones Native Plants in Woodbury.
The Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire, Cheshire Pollinator Pathway and the Mill River Watershed Association have partnered in the award since 2022 to recognize community members who actively practice environmentally friendly lawncare.
