Master Gardener Tim Kennelty reaches one of the highest levels of Naturalist Training

Congratulations to Master Gardener Tim Kennelty on completing his Level 4 of Master Naturalist Training. This accomplishment is the result of over 150 hours of training and volunteering in the Twin Counties. His dedication is a continued boon and valued resource to our local lands and gardens.

According to Kristi L. Sullivan, Director of the NYS Master Naturalist Volunteer Program:

"Tim does most of his volunteering at the Columbia Land Conservancy. He gives presentations on invasive species identification and management, as well as the conservation of native plants and animals. Tim has also been working on a project with another Columbia County Master Gardener on a project to increase biodiversity at Siegel-Kline Kill, which is a 55-acre piece of land owned by the Columbia Land Conservancy. To achieve this, Tim and others have been leading a group of volunteers on how to reduce invasive species and promoting native species diversity.

Tim also volunteers with the Columbia-Greene Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners. Tim has presented at his local libraries on invasive species identification and management many times for different events like “Invasive Species Awareness Week”. He also presented on how to attract native butterflies and birds to local gardens for Cornell Cooperative Extension as a part of the “Columbia County Pollinator Day” event.

The final organization Tim has volunteered with is the Alan Devoe Bird Club. He helped conduct a Grassland Bird Survey at the Overmountain public conservation area.

Thank you, Tim, for your dedication to teaching others about the importance of invasive species management, continuing to help others learn more about conserving and promoting native plant and animal diversity, and documenting the local bird community. Congratulations!"

Last updated October 12, 2021