Meredith Taylor: GYC's Outstanding Activist Award

by Nancy Debevoise

During its annual meeting in June, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition presented WOC's Greater Yellowstone Program field office director Meredith Taylor with its 20th Anniversary Outstanding Activist Award.

Award presenter Valorie Drake addressed hundreds of conservationists gathered at the event. Her remarks included the following kudos to Meredith:

• For almost 30 years, she has been expanding her knowledge of the ecosystem and its wildlife, and she's become a tireless advocate for its health…. In addition to GYC, she's been involved with many other conservation organizations over the years, including the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Wyoming Outdoor Council, The Wilderness Society, National Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Red Desert, Audubon, and I'm sure there are more….
• Whether she's on a payroll or not, she casts a broad net and does as much networking and outreach as anyone I know….I've heard Meredith described as a "zealot." That description fits - she's ardently active, devoted, diligent, persistent and passionate - and we're thankful to have her boundless energy focused on this area we all care so much about protecting….
• She never loses faith and hope that Greater Yellowstone will be a better place for her efforts. She's steadfast in her convictions and never waivers in her mission….
• The Yellowstone ecosystem is so completely embedded in Meredith's soul that one cannot be separated from the other. She will, I have no doubt, focus all the power she can muster toward the protection and restoration of this ecosystem forever.