Paul W. Meyer, the F. Otto Haas Executive Director of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, was recently designated the recipient of the 2016 Planning Advocate Award from the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners and the Montgomery County Planning Commission. This award recognizes citizens, appointed/elected officials or boards and community organizations that have made significant and sustained contributions to advancing or promoting planning in Montgomery County.

Mr. Meyer has been an exceptional advocate for the planning, preservation and stewardship of Montgomery County’s valuable green spaces for more than 35 years. He has dedicated many years of service as a member of the Springfield Township Planning Commission and the Montgomery County Open Space Board. He is passionate about ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to be inspired by the natural world and be connected to nature through greenways and trails, parks and preserved open areas.

“I want to share this recognition with all who work to preserve open space and a sense of place in Montgomery County,” Mr. Meyer said. “The accomplishments have been amazing, but much more remains to be done. I appreciate this recognition and I salute the entire Montgomery County Open Space Team.”