Bob Kreitler’s decade-long volunteer effort to remove invasive species that threaten Aspetuck Land Trust properties has earned him an Aspetuck Land Trust Volunteer of the Year award.
Kreitler formed a volunteer team of 89, known as the “accelerated invasive species control group,” that meets regularly for invasive species removal work sessions. The group has made noticeable progress on Trout Brook Valley trails previously overwhelmed by non-native species, according to the land trust.
Kreitler was among five individuals honored earlier this month during the first annual Aspetuck Land Trust Awards ceremony. The awards honor individuals who have contributed in land conservation and stewardship, and building bridges to nature.
Other award recipients are Westport resident Bill Kutik as Aspetuck Land Trust’s 2023 Conservationist of the Year, Michelle Fracasso of Weston as Native Landscape of the Year, Ron Rapice of Bridgeport as Bridge Builder of the Year, and Bridgeport resident Christine Cook also received a Bridge Builder of the Year award
Kreitler and his wife Bonnie have been members of Aspetuck Land Trust since 1991. An avid beekeeper, Kreitler worked as an expert on natural resource policy for the Office of Management and Budget. He is an investment professional and author who actively supports education reform.
