Senate Resolution No. 296

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Bill and Betty Nathan upon the occasion
of their designation as recipients of the Spirit of
the Arboretum Award by The Pine Hollow Arboretum on
January 24, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals within the great State of New York that are dedicated to the
vital work of environmental protection; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Bill and Betty Nathan upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the Spirit of the Arboretum Award by The Pine Hollow
Arboretum to be celebrated at its Winter Gala on Thursday, January 24,
2019, at the Spinney at Van Dyke in Delmar, New York; and

WHEREAS, Bill and Betty Nathan are receiving this prestigious award
for their steadfast and unremitting commitment to The Pine Hollow
Arboretum; after the passing of founder Dr. John Abbuhl, they have
diligently worked to ensure the Arboretum remains a haven for nature;
and

WHEREAS, For as long as she can remember, Betty Nathan has felt a
special bond with The Pine Hollow Arboretum, having grown up in a house
on Pine Hollow road, which leads to this beautiful, living library; and

WHEREAS, Today, Betty Nathan and her husband Bill reside in her
childhood home and enthusiastically support The Pine Hollow Arboretum;
they graciously donated three acres of their land to encourage growth of
this vital non-profit corporation; and

WHEREAS, The Pine Hollow Arboretum strives to preserve, manage and
enhance native and introduced species of trees, shrubs and other plants
in a natural environment; its horticultural collection consists of over
3,600 unique trees, shrubs and other woody plants from around the world,
some of which are rare and/or endangered; and

WHEREAS, This living collection is aesthetically arranged in a
natural setting which includes 11 ponds and an Eastern White Pine
forest; visitors of all ages are invited to explore a network of walking
trails and bridges throughout the preserve to enjoy the quiet and
connect with nature; and

WHEREAS, Each year, more than 500 elementary and high schools
students visit The Pine Hollow Arboretum where they are given the
opportunity to experience hands-on learning in a natural environment;
and

WHEREAS, Through the outstanding efforts of individuals such as Bill
and Betty Nathan, The Pine Hollow Arboretum strives to shape the next
generation of environmental stewards, educators and leaders; and

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon all citizens to recognize and applaud
the efforts of individuals such as Bill and Betty Nathan who work
tirelessly on behalf of protecting our natural surroundings for the
benefit of present and future generations of New Yorkers; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Bill and Betty Nathan upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the Spirit of the Arboretum Award by The Pine Hollow
Arboretum on January 24, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Bill and Betty Nathan.