The Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteer Award is an annual tribute and memorial to Laura Singleton, a long-time Houston Audubon volunteer who passed away in 2002. A memorial service held at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary brought hundreds of her Audubon friends to the sanctuary to honor her memory. HAS President Jeff Mundy announced at that service that a volunteer excellence award would be established in Laura's honor

The criteria for the award mirror what Laura herself represented -— the best of volunteerism. Laura was collaborative, inclusive and flexible in getting people to work together. She never hesitated to ask others to help, and because she approached everyone with enthusiasm and good humor, people responded in kind. Although she could see the obstacles, she typically proceeded without hesitation to think up seven or eight ways to overcome them. She is still greatly missed by all of us at Houston Audubon, and we take great pleasure in honoring her.

Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteers for 2009

At Houston Audubon's Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, held on February 6, 2010, President-Elect Mary Carter announced that the recipients of the Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteer Award for 2009 are Joy Hester and Don Verser.

In her remarks, she said:

"Don has the interests of Houston Audubon and conservation always in his heart and mind according to people who have worked with him at Houston Audubon. He is handy with a chain saw clearing hurricane debris, attacking invasive plants, clearing trails, building wonderful additions to the sanctuaries, in addition to being an expert birder and an inspiring volunteer. He is a hard worker and self-motivated in his devotion to helping Houston Audubon.

Joy has been a role model to me and many others involved in Houston Audubon in her activities as Board member, ED, President as well as volunteering at sanctuary work days and being an all-around advocate for Houston Audubon. Joy has attended countless meetings on behalf of Houston Audubon, and worked on behalf of Houston Audubon with other organizations to preserve Columbia Bottomlands, Whooping Crane habitat, Spring Creek Greenway project and many other projects in her quiet and effective manner. To quote one of the nominations, "in addition to being a wondrous volunteer, Joy's grace and charm under fire are awesome!"

Congratulations to you both!"