Jack Phillips, Board Member 1993- 2008 Resigns
Jack grew up in Long Island, New York at the time when Long Island was mostly rural. He witnessed the growth and expansion of New York City out on the island. During a 20 year period, Jack became increasing concerned about the loss of open space for people and for wildlife. He missed exploring the agricultural fields and woods that seemed to go on forever.
Jack moved to Moravia and began exploring the open space of the Finger Lakes Region. Then he discovered the Owasco Flats. It was the one place that gave him the sense of wonder and freedom that he knew as a child. Jack wanted to help protect this valuable area for the public, mostly children, to enjoy. One day, Jack was visiting the Flats, picking up trash and talking to other visitors, when he met a group of people who were also concerned about protecting the Flats. They were outraged that the Flats was being used as a dump, that the road was impassible, that the trails were non existent and the wetland areas were being ditched and drained. It was then that Jack was introduced to OFNR original members, Jean Siracusa, Paul Lattimore and others and immediately joined the committee.
Jack dedicated 15 years of his life as a land steward; maintaining trails, picking up trash, educating the public on the importance of the Owasco Flats wetlands. He explained that Owasco Lake was Auburn's drinking water source, as well as lake owners and that the Owasco Flats wetlands work to filter drinking water, provide important spawning areas, absorb flood water and provide valuable habitat for wildlife. He became a respected steward of the Owasco Flats. In addition, he did his best to make every meeting, bringing along pictures, and sharing his stories.
Jack and his wife, Judy moved to Auburn in 2007. His family has grown up and moved on, but still expanding with son-in-laws and grandchildren. In November 2008, at the OFNR Annual Board meeting, Jack announced his resignation from the OFNR board. Jack said it was time to spend more time with his family and enjoy the simple pleasures of retirement. If you happen to run into him at the Flats, tip your hat and thank him, for if not for people like Jack and Jean and Paul and many others, the Owasco Flats would have been developed, an extension of the many homes along the lake, or a commercial business. The wetland would have been filled like Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, and the area would not be open to the public to enjoy.
Jack will remain an honorary member of the Owasco Flats.
