Catching up with Charlie Ippolito Charlie Ippolito ’19 (Environmental Studies) was featured in the spring 2025 newsletter for the Friends of Recreation, Conservation and Environmental Stewardship (FORCES). Charlie is a biologist for New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. In the article, he explained how his advisor, Professor Emeritus Bruce Gilman, influenced his decision to specialize in plants. “He taught dendrology (the study of trees) and field botany, and during a winter walk in the campus woodlot, he identified tree species with what seemed like a superpower. I was captivated and became fascinated with plants from that point forward.” While a student, Charlie got involved in the FORCES Steward program. As a steward at Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, he learned to survey land for invasive populations, prioritize areas for management, and restore landscapes with locally sourced seeds and plants. As a biologist, he used those skills on a project to remove swallow-wort at Chimney Bluffs State Park and restore the Lake Ontario bluff with native plants. To learn more about FORCES or sign up for its newsletter, contact Amy Kochem, program director, at amy.kochem@parks.ny.gov. Impromptu conservation reunion Keith ’75 and Marge Murphy hosted their 8th periodic reunion for conservation and horticulture retirees and alumni from the 1970s and 80s on Sept. 6 at the Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill in South Bristol. PHOTOS BY LENORE FRIEND After graduating, Keith Murphy ’75, left, worked at FLCC from 1975 to 1993, first in the Environmental Conservation and Horticulture Department, followed by positions in grounds and campus safety. Dave Hutchings ’80 is the executive director of Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. FLCC alumni, retirees and family members posed for a group photo before a picnic dinner. Clockwise from left, Marcy Kratz, wife of alumnus Jody Kratz ’77; Priscilla Crawford ’76; Cathy Dzierba ’77; Janet Bonnlander ’77; and Barb Varney ’79. Hank Roenke ’73, left, was the first technical specialist for the conservation program. He received the 2017 FLCC Alumni Association Exceptional Service Award. Professor Emeritus Bill Banaszewski was the founding faculty member of the Environmental Conservation and Horticulture Department. Kathy Bullis ’78, ’84; Jim Englert ’82; Richard Andrews ’79; and Patricia Hutchings, wife of Dave Hutchings ’80. Professor Emeritus Bruce Gilman and Jim Englert ’82, retired FLCC groundskeeper
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