Westborough – The Westborough Community Land Trust (WCLT) recently presented three awards for 2015. The land trust’s Ellie and Jack Pepper Award went to Tim Novak of Westborough TV (WTV), and its President’s Awards to John Metzger and Steve Rowell, who recently retired from the WCLT Board of Directors.
“It’s been my pleasure to build, maintain and hike the Charm Bracelet trails with John Metzger and Steve Rowell,” said WCLT president Scott Shumway upon presenting the 2015 President’s Awards, which recognize exemplary service to WCLT. “They have helped lead WCLT down the proper trail.”
Metzger served as WCLT’s president for 2010-2013 and as vice president both before and after that term. Rowell served as assistant treasurer for many years and will continue as bookkeeper.
“For years Tim Novak has been videotaping many of WCLT’s walks and talks and turning them into programs that air on Westborough TV. It’s part of his job, but he does it with a passion for nature that makes a real difference,” said Shumway in presenting the 2015 Pepper Award, which recognizes an individual for outstanding work in conservation and land preservation benefiting WCLT and the citizens of Westborough.
“Whether it’s a tour of Hoccomocco Swamp, a hike on a trail, spring salamander migration, or a fungi foray, he’s always there filming,” Shumway noted. “The results can be viewed on Westborough TV or from archives on the Westborough TV website.”
As a dedicated outdoorsman and the man behind the camera, Novak combines his longtime love of
nature with his professional enthusiasm for video. He creates videos that bring Westborough residents closer to nature.
“If you look closely and tread quietly, Westborough will surprise you with all the nature there is to enjoy,” Novak said. Through his camera work and local explorations, he has developed a special perspective on Westborough’s natural environment and its resiliency.
“Westborough is unique as it is surrounded by major roads, large industrial parks, and a growing population, yet has incredible habitats. Seeing animals walking through yards, thriving in our industrial parks, and seemingly oblivious to speeding motor vehicles just illustrates nature’s ability to survive and adapt. I have seen countess birds of prey, songbirds, fisher, deer, coyotes, all manner of reptiles and amphibians all in Westborough,” Novak explained.
