Award-Winning Volunteers

Houston Audubon has a staff of less than 20 people and over 400 active volunteers, so to say that volunteers are important to our mission is an understatement. Houston Audubon relies on volunteers every day of the year to help us with education, restoration, administration and everything and anything you can imagine.

Each year we celebrate the contributions of these valued volunteers at a picnic at the Edith L. Moore log cabin. On top of recognizing the work of all volunteers collectively, each year we select one (and sometimes two) distinguished volunteers who went above and beyond to support our work in a way that stood out to staff and board members, who we honor with the Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteer Award*.

Tom Greer - Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteer for 2022

Tom Greer

Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteer for 2022

This past March, Houston Audubon honored Tom Greer for equally wonderful contributions to Houston Audubon over many years. In his nominations, a clear theme of lasting commitment, positivity, and truly systemic helpfulness was evident – core values of the Laura Singleton legacy. As key leader of the Trail Crew at Edith L. Moore, Tom is in the sanctuary every single week (sometimes multiple days a week) assisting visitors, weeding, doing repairs, and being an overall exceptional ambassador. One nominator had to say: “Tom is always friendly and amazingly creative in how he helps us fix things. I can always count on him to help us keep the sanctuary running.” If you are walking on a clean even trail, you likely have Tom to thank. So, on behalf of the entire Houston Audubon community, thank you Tom!

*Laura Singleton

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. The criteria for the award mirrors 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 and other exceptional volunteers each year.