Upper Makefield Township

On behalf of the the Board of Supervisors, Chairman Conrad Baldwin gleefully presented Barbara Hirst with the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award at the May 4 Supervisors meeting.

“Barbara Hirst exemplifies to me what Upper Makefield Township is,” said Supervisor Baldwin. “That is people who step up to plate, give with their heart, work hard, and we are better for it.”

In addition, Vice Chairman Thomas Cino read a proclamation from the Senate of Pennsylvania recognizing Barbara Hirst, “Through her many initiatives to benefit her community and by personal example, Ms. Hirst clearly reflects the true spirit and mission of the Commonwealth.”

A resident since 1986, Ms. Hirst has provided a decade of service to the township. Her contributions include:

• Member of the Zoning Hearing Board for 10 years, Chair for one year
• Member of the Environmental Advisory Council for 10 years, served as Chair and Vice Chair
• Pivotal in open space and preservation efforts which led to the preservation of close to 40% of the township
• As member of the EAC, closely involved with initiation of Riparian Restoration & Preservation Grant Program Education

“I never in my wildest  imaginings thought that I'd receive this honor,” said Ms. Hirst, “I want to thank the board for selecting me, I know and adore you all for you hard work.” Ms. Hirst went on to encourage everyone to volunteer in some capacity.

Ms. Hirst Brings Professional Experience to her Volunteer Work

As a professional, Ms. Hirst currently works for the N.J. Dept. of Environmental Protection. From January 2003 to June 2010 she served as Bureau Chief of Environmental Analysis and Restoration: Division of Watershed Management. Since June 2010 she has been with the Division of Water Monitoring and Standards.

Ms. Hirst holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and a Master of Public Administration, both from Rutgers University. She graduated summa cum laude and is a George H. Cook Honor Scholar.