UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Allyson Muth, Michael Powell and Linda Finley in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management were honored for their contributions to the conservation of Pennsylvania’s natural resources at the Pennsylvania Forestry Association’s Annual Symposium on Nov. 5.
Muth, an assistant research professor who serves as director of the James C. Finley Center for Private Forests at Penn State, administered by the College of Agricultural Sciences, received the Joseph Trimble Rothrock Conservationist of the Year Award. It recognizes an individual, organization or group’s significant contributions to the public’s recognition of the importance of Pennsylvania’s forest resources in the same tradition and spirit of Rothrock, the “Father of Forestry in Pennsylvania.”
Starting her career at Penn State as forest stewardship associate in 2004, Muth embraces the challenges of working at the intersection of people and forests. “I’m so fortunate in the work I do because I get to work with people who care,” she said. “They model that, they demonstrate that and they share their passion with me every day.”
Muth oversees the Pennsylvania Forest Stewards volunteer program, an influential network of more than 500 trained peer leaders actively helping private forest landowners care well for their woods. She is part of a statewide collaborative effort that is bringing the whole of the forestry community together to set a vision for how to more effectively practice forestry on privately held lands.
Powell, a senior research technologist, received the Sandy Cochran Award for Excellence in Natural Resources Education Award. It honors individuals or programs designing, developing and implementing educational programs focused on the conservation and management of Pennsylvania’s natural resources.
As an educator of undergraduate students and student club adviser for more than 20 years, Powell has received numerous awards over that time recognizing his contribution and support of students both in the classroom and in their extracurricular club activities, including the 2017 College of Agricultural Sciences Staff Laureate Ambassador Award.
He also serves in educational roles in the larger community – from leading the Conservation Leadership School, to his work with the Kiwanis Club and the support he gives to the Boy Scouts program, locally, regionally, statewide and beyond. In addition, he is a deputy game warden with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the state continuing education coordinator for the Society of American Foresters, and chainsaw safety instructor to students, natural resources professionals and the public.
Linda Finley, a volunteer and chair elect for the James C. Finley Center for Private Forests, received the Mira Lloyd Dock Outstanding Woman Conservationist award. It honors the valuable contributions women make through their professional and/or personal commitment to Pennsylvania’s natural resources. Mira Lloyd Dock is recognized as the first Pennsylvania woman to lead the way in forest conservation.
Finley is a forest landowner, a member of the Pennsylvania Forest Association member for more than 30 years, and the only woman to serve as board resident for the group. She has served as a Pennsylvania Forest Stewards volunteer since 1993 and on the Finley Center Council since January.
She and her late husband, James Finley, Penn State professor emeritus of private forest management and human dimensions and natural resources and a founder of the Finley Center, shared a deep love of people and forests.
Founded in 1886, the Pennsylvania Forestry Association is the oldest grassroots forest conservation organization in North America.