Press Release: 11/3/2025
Mass Audubon Honors Kirsten Waerstad with Nature of Massachusetts Award
Press Release
November 03, 2025
Mass Audubon, the largest nature conservation organization in New England, named Belmont resident Kirsten Waerstad as its 2025 Nature of Massachusetts Award recipient, which is Mass Audubon’s highest honor.
The award, formerly known as The Audubon A Award, recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations that have significantly furthered the cause of conservation and environmental protection. Former recipients include MathWorks, former Governor Charlie Baker, former Attorney General and current Governor Maura Healey, and former Governor Deval Patrick, and is reserved for those who consistently and effectively broaden public awareness about protecting the nature of the Commonwealth.
Waerstad was officially honored at Mass Audubon’s Oct. 30 annual celebration where her tireless conservation work was celebrated. From helping neighbors plant 1,400 native trees and shrubs in a micro-forest in front of Belmont High School to her steadfast support of and generosity to Mass Audubon’s 30x30 Catalyst Fund to conserve an additional 100,000 acres across Massachusetts, Waerstad’s contributions have helped both nature and her community.
“Kirsten is a thoughtful, passionate, and hands-on environmentalist whose deep commitment and connection to this work is making a real difference for the nature of Massachusetts,” said David O’Neill, President & CEO of Mass Audubon. “Whether it is a sanctuary down the block or a newer sanctuary like Pawtucket Farm in Lowell, Kirsten’s support of Mass Audubon’s special places is unparalleled.”
She grew up on a farm in northwestern Alabama, an experience that forged a childhood connection with nature. Now, as a neighbor to Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Belmont, Waerstad and her family regularly visit and volunteer there for various projects. Her son also attends Mass Audubon’s Wildwood overnight camp in New Hampshire during the summer.
”It’s truly an honor to receive this award,” Waerstad said. “Mass Audubon is the leader of conservation efforts in Massachusetts and I’m proud to be an enthusiastic supporter and deeply grateful for all that’s done to preserve land, protect wildlife, and inspire so many of us to do our part in stewarding these amazing places. By connecting people to nature and empowering communities to take action, we’re ensuring that landscapes and wildlife we cherish today will endure for generations to come.”
About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.
Media Contact:
Aaron Gouveia