Lois Orswell Environmental Award

Lois Orswell  1904 – 1998

Lois Orswell was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the only child of Jessamine and William Orswell.  Lois began collecting works of art in 1944 after receiving an inheritance from her father’s estate.  In 1950, she purchased a large piece of land in Pomfret, Connecticut and built “Bafflin” where she lived until her death in 1998.

In her later years, after assembling a collection of European and American paintings, sculptures and drawings – which she left to the Fogg Museum at Harvard University – she acquired and protected over 1,000 acres of land in Pomfret in order to pursue her interests in environmental preservation and animal protection.  This land has been preserved in perpetuity through various trusts and land preservation organizations.

Lois Orswell has been the first and foremost private protector of Pomfret’s preservation.  She should be considered a model for others to emulate.

The Lois Orswell Environmental Award

Each year the Conservation Commission accepts written nominations for this environmental award.  Nominations are typically accepted in early Spring.

The following criteria are used by the Commission to select award recipients:

  • Developing conservation and environmental awareness.
  • Land use protection.
  • Conservation projects, i.e. vernal pools, butterfly gardens.
  • Promoting green businesses.
  • Preservation and management of environmental habitats, natural diversity, and resources.

Nominations for the award may be made by the individuals involved or by someone recommending them.  There will be a maximum of two (2) recipients per year.  Awards will be given for any of three categories:                        

  1. Individual, child or adult
  2. Business
  3. Group

Watch for Nomination Dates early each year!

Nominations for 2014 Due by March 12, 2015 - Read More  

Past Recipients of the Lois Orswell Award