The Board of Directors of the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition (“PRWC) proudly announces that an environmental student internship has been established in the memory of PRWC’s co-founder, Dr. Marc J. Taylor. Through an environmental program grant awarded to PRWC, the Connecticut Community Foundation (CCF) is providing funding to establish this prestigious internship program.
Janet Taylor generously gifted additional program support to PRWC in remembrance of her husband. She noted: “Marc’s passion for and connection with people as a physician extended to all those engaged with the protection of the environment. He was particularly eager to foster the same passion in those preparing to be the stewards of the future, which this internship program will achieve.”
Dr. Taylor, who passed away in June of 2012, is remembered as a man of great compassion who, as a medical doctor, healed the wounds and raised the spirits of his patients throughout greater Southbury. In his retirement, he turned his keen intellect and calm demeanor toward fostering coalition-based solutions for the benefit of the environment. In 1999, Dr. Taylor and a group of his peers founded PRWC to study the quality and quantity of water in the Pomperaug River watershed, a 90-square mile area that touches eight area towns. With science as it core and education its hallmark, PRWC works with watershed towns, regulatory agencies, environmental organizations and community volunteers to continue Dr. Taylor’s legacy in stewarding our local water resources.
Commenting on the first year of the internship, John Lacadie, PRWC Board Chair said: “This is a proud moment for us to be able to remember Marc in this way. The internship both enhances our ability to use science and education for the protection of the watershed and provides our next generation of environmental stewards to have a unique opportunity for hands-on study. We extend our sincere thanks to CCF and to Jan Taylor for helping reach this important milestone.”
The environmental program grant is just one of many ways that CCF makes a significant difference in the lives of those within the 21 communities that it serves. This internship will allow for creative approaches in watershed protection such as those for storm water pollution management. Paula Van Ness, CCF President and CEO comments: “What a wonderful win-win opportunity for both PRWC and CCF. Clearly the work to be conducted by the intern will benefit both the environment and people who live in our region; something that both our organizations share in their respective missions. To support this program together with Jan, while remembering Marc, CCF’s dear friend and community leader, is truly heartwarming.”
Matthew Rose, a resident of Middlebury and Natural Resources major entering his fourth-year at UCONN has been selected to the internship position. His major has provided him with studies in watershed hydrology, natural resources measurements, wetlands biology and conservation law enforcement, all of which have significant relevancy to the work conducted by PRWC.
Learning about the selected candidate, Mrs. Taylor says: “Marc would be very pleased that Matt will serve the first year of the Dr. Marc J. Taylor Internship.” Matt will be welcomed to PRWC during its Annual Benefit, “The Scene on the River” which is to be held on June 7 at the Mill House Antiques and Gardens in Woodbury.
PHOTO CAPTION: Carol Haskins, PRWC Outreach Director, welcomes Matthew Rose as the organization’s first “Dr. Marc J. Taylor Memorial Intern.” Rose, a Middlebury resident, will be entering his senior year at the University of Connecticut in the fall.
