0299-GCG-FoothillsConservancy ESG24-FINALb (1) - Flipbook - Page 37
2024 Impact Report
2024 Ruby Award Conservationist
of the Year
Recognizing Tom Ruckdeschel
The Ruby Pharr Conservationist of the Year Award
(Ruby Award) is the highest honor bestowed annually
by Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (FCNC),
celebrating outstanding volunteer service. Named
in memory of Ruby Pharr, a biologist, educator, and
founding FCNC board member, this award honors
individuals who exemplify dedication to conservation.
Tom Ruckdeschel is the 2024 Ruby Award recipient
Tom Ruckdeschel and Brittany Watkins
for his remarkable contributions to FCNC’s mission.
Since 2020, Tom has donated more than 200 volunteer
hours, offering his time, creativity, and leadership
across numerous projects. His work on the American
Chestnut restoration project at Oak Hill Community
Park and Forest has been especially impactful,
re昀氀ecting both his vision and passion for long-term
ecological restoration.
Tom’s connection to conservation began long before
his involvement with FCNC. For nearly 30 years, he
was a member of the Triangle Land Conservancy in
Raleigh. When he and his wife, Leslie, moved to Burke
County, Tom was eager to 昀椀nd ways to stay engaged
in conservation.
After discovering FCNC’s active presence in the area,
Tom jumped right in, participating in events, workdays,
and volunteer opportunities whenever possible.
“This area’s natural beauty was one of the reasons
we chose to live here,” Tom explains. “And with that
“The American Chestnut was once a cornerstone of
ecosystems throughout the Appalachian Range,”
Tom says. “Its loss was a devastating blow to forests,
but restoring it could unlock enormous bene昀椀ts for
wildlife and the environment. It’s inspiring to be part
of something that spans generations. People have
worked on this since the 1930s, and others will continue
the effort long after I’m gone.”
Tom’s dedication to long-term projects aligns with
his personal philosophy: “I’ve always liked the idea of
‘planting trees I’ll never climb.’ It captures the essence
of conservation – caring for something today so that
future generations can enjoy it.”
Congrats, Tom, and thank you for your tireless
volunteerism to ensure that North Carolina’s
landscapes will remain healthy and protected for
years to come.
beauty comes a responsibility to care for it.”
Tom 昀椀nds deep meaning in every aspect of his
volunteer work, but he feels particularly connected to
The American Chestnut restoration project. Partnering
with The American Chestnut Foundation, Tom has
helped plant and tend blight-resistant seedlings at
FCNC’s Oak Hill Park and Possum Rock preserves.
35
