New City, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day, along with Division of Environmental Resources Director Kevin McGuinness, awarded Carolyn Hill the 27th County Executive’s Outstanding Environmental Volunteer Award. The ceremony took place at Kennedy Dells County Park, recognizing Hill’s significant contributions to environmental protection.
“I am thrilled to honor Carolyn Hill, who has been a hero and champion for the environment for years,” said County Executive Day. “Many in Rockland County know her nonprofit, The Turtles of Western Highway, which has played a vital role in protecting our local wildlife. Her work has saved countless snapping turtles, and this award is a testament to her tireless efforts.”
Hill, a wildlife rehabilitator, founded The Turtles of Western Highway in response to the alarming number of turtles killed by speeding vehicles during their annual migration. She started with handmade signs urging drivers to slow down and later grew the effort into a volunteer organization. Her team now repairs fencing to keep turtles off the road, builds nesting mounds, and patrols the area to assist injured turtles. The group’s dedication has successfully preserved the local snapping turtle population.
In addition to her nonprofit, Hill’s collaboration with Rockland County to install official turtle crossing signs emphasized the importance of local ecology. “It showed the people of this county that we were serious about protecting all things big and small,” said Day.
Carolyn Hill expressed her gratitude for the honor, acknowledging the community support that made her work possible. “It takes a village. There really is strength in unity, and I’m so thankful that our community came together to support this effort,” she said. “I receive this award on behalf of all volunteers, community leaders, and local businesses that make this possible.”
To commemorate her achievements, a Dogwood tree was planted in her honor at Kennedy Dells County Park.
Carolyn Hill’s commitment to environmental conservation continues to make Rockland County a better place for both wildlife and residents alike.