Longtime Clarkston resident Tom Stone was honored Saturday for three decades of effort, advocacy and commitment to local conservation efforts.
Stone and his wife Arlene became involved with the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy when they moved into the area about 30 years ago.
Saturday, he received the NOHLC’s Thomas K. Bullen award for outstanding support and service spanning all three decades, including 25 years on the board of directors.
‘I’m surprised and pleased,? said Stone, who did not know he had been selected as this year’s award recipient. ‘Years ago, I drafted the proposal for the Thomas K. Bullan Award’I don’t know anyone who worked harder than him, and he needed to be remembered for that.?
Many describe Bullen as a visionary who saw a need and established the Independence Land Conservancy, one of the first such organizations in Michigan.
During his years of service, Stone helped expand the group’s reach across six surrounding townships and hence, change its name to reflect the growth.
It was just such work that prompted the NOHLC to recognize Stone for his energetic contributions to the cause.
‘The standards he helped set attracted the support of local elected officials, developers, volunteers, and members,? said current NOHLC President Jim Pistilli during Saturday’s presentation. ‘This legacy is
one of the most valuable assets NOHLC treasures and benefits from today.?
Stone, he said, wrote regular newspaper articles, and made repeated visits and personal appeals to potential supporters.
Because of these efforts, Pistilli said, Stone built a statewide awareness of the organization and brought the group a great deal of recognition.
As a leader, he held the office of treasurer about three years, served as president another 10 years, and encouraged others to do the same.
‘He poured the energy generated by his passionate commitment to conservation into recruiting members and volunteers to serve on the board of directors,? Pistilli said. ‘Then he mentored them, helping
them succeed and establishing a legacy of success for leadership in NOHLC.?
But for the Stones, both Tom and Arlene, the effort was about championing a cause close to home, a cause they believed in.
‘We chose it as one of two groups (Arlene and I) would become life members with,? Stone said. ‘It fit our interest and commitment to the community. We moved into this community because of its character’the historical character, but also the environmental character’the open spaces, the water’and we felt that quality of life was important to sustain.?