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At a recent Volunteer Appreciation event, Stuart Friedman presented Lenore Tedesco with a stunning photo he took of storm clouds over the marsh.

As a Wetlands Institute Summer Docent, every Wednesday morning from May to September, Stuart Friedman, can be found leading the Avalon Dune and Beach walks at 48th Street and Dune Drive. During these walks, Stu is informative, passionate and committed to educating the public about the diversity of plants and animals on the barrier island, while instilling in them the need for environmental stewardship and conservation.

From the moment you meet Stu, you recognize that, for him, volunteering is a true joy. In his own voice: “Words cannot adequately convey the pleasure I receive when for ten weeks each summer I lead children and adults through the dunes and along the beach. I have learned something new about the dunes and the beach on each walk, as well as the interests of visitors and residents alike who in many cases return year after year to take the walk with me.”

This past summer was Stu’s last summer leading interpretive walks in Avalon. He is a humble, reliable and generous man, and so it is with bittersweet feelings that we thank him for his commitment to The Wetlands Institute and wish him all the best in his next adventure!