Holly Cowen has changed the lives of the people that visit a park right near her home and at the same time helped improve the way local government looks at conservation issues within the park system. “I have had people tell me when they walk in Goffle Brook Park they look at things a lot differently now,”. “They see more birds and are more aware, they have much joy looking at photos of our park and the wildlife in a way they never saw before”

Holly, a self-taught photographer and Hawthorne resident, is a Commissioner on the Environmental Commission and also on the local Green Team. Passaic County now uses her photos on the interpretive signs in the park to help teach visitors about the wildlife that thrives right in their own neighborhood. “My photos have inspired people to put up bird feeders and also helped local officials become much more aware of the birds and wildlife that live here…they are all amazed of the variety of birds here at Goffle Brook Park,” Holly said.

The board members of Bergen County Audubon Society are proud to present Holly with BCAS Jill Homcy Memorial Award, which carries on the legacy of Jill Homcy, who used her photographs to improve and protect the environment and bring more awareness and love to the natural world for everyone. 

BCAS plans a special virtual event for everyone to meet Holly and learn more about this amazing photographer/conservationist. 

Link to a Record article about Holly   https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/passaic/hawthorne/2021/04/24/hawthorne-nj-wildlife-photographer-holly-cowen-bird-walks/7257332002/

          Don Torino- President