Madelaine Eppenstein Honored by the Audobon Society

The Bronx River-Sound Shore (BRSS) Audubon Society selected Madelaine Eppenstein as their honoree in March of 2020, but the official granting of the honor had to wait more than two years. On June 2, 2022 the time finally came to celebrate Eppenstein for what she worked so hard to deserve.

The 37-year Westchester resident has been a local conservationist pioneer, described as a “go-to” person for any conservatory endeavors. Her work to procure and plant over 1000 trees and shrubs in Scarsdale is just one of many of her notable accomplishments in this field. The BRSS newsletter added, “Now every spring she applies for a grant for trees, and the Friends of Scarsdale Parks holds a Scarsdale Community Planting Day involving hundreds of volunteer children and adults.”

The event took place via zoom and friends and admirers popped on to praise Eppenstein. Assemblywoman Amy Paulin was present for the celebration, and was delighted to give Eppenstein a citation. She said, “From snow removal to gas leaf blower regulations, she has been vocal in the community about how Scarsdale can become greener and more sustainable in an efficient, meaningful way.”

Scarsdale Mayor Jane Veron added her accolades. She called Eppenstein “Thoughtful , determined and kind.” She said, “She carries stature in Scarsdale – she is the stamp of approval for everything in Scarsdale. She is industrious, develops proposals that are well researched and documented,” and “is the person who makes things happen.” She said, “What you have done is priceless for us.”

Mike Burger, the executive director of the New York and Connecticut Audubon Society said “It is our honor to share with this event our congratulations for your work. You improve everyone’s life: not just the birds or young people, but everyone. This is what we need to see more of. The way you bring in lots of people to help and helping them see they can be part of the solution going forward is an amazing thing to do.

A representative for Westchester County Executive George Latimer was present to show his respects, offering thanks on behalf of Latimer and apologizing that he was not able to make it even though he most certainly would have if he could.

Eppenstein described her successes with the area between the Scarsdale Library and Scarsdale High School, which used to be used as a sort of “dumping ground,” but it is now a well-protected green area, and she thanked the Westchester Executives for their recognition on this work. She expressed her sincere gratitude for the Audubon Society’s “precious relationship with each other and shared goals” and for putting on the festive event.