Williamstown Rural Lands (WRL) recognizes the need to develop within the next generation a sense of place and an awareness of the natural and cultural environment. We feel that it is vital to start with a local focus on the need to protect and preserve cultural, historic and natural resources and landscapes. It is in this spirit that the WRLF, in 2000, instituted an environmental award of up to $500 to a graduating senior from Mt. Greylock Regional High School. The award was renamed in 2004 to honor the exemplary leadership exhibited by Mathias Bartels, who died suddenly in early 2004.
The award, The Williamstown Rural Lands Mathias J. Bartels Environmental Leadership Award, will be given to a student who has demonstrated a strong interest in environmental issues through academic pursuits and/or extra-curricular activities. The student’s contribution to environmental awareness could be in a wide range of areas including, but not limited to, science, history, literature, community service, or the arts. It also recognizes students who have set leadership examples in these fields during their years at Mt. Greylock. We request that the Mt. Greylock Scholarship Committee select up to three individuals as candidates for this award. Those individuals would then be asked to submit an application in the form of a 1-2 page essay describing their interests and activities as they pertain to environmental issues.
These essays will be due by May 11th and will be reviewed by the education committee of Williamstown Rural Lands. One individual will be chosen as the recipient of the award. The award will be announced at the “Senior Recognition” event.
Please note that the award is not needs-based, and is not considered a scholarship that must be used for college. Essays may be emailed to admin@rurallands.org or sent to:
Williamstown Rural Lands
Attn: Education Committee
671 Cold Spring Road
Williamstown, MA 01267
413-458-2494