At the May Town Meeting, Ali Beres-Nork was recognized as Bethany’s 2025 Conservationist of Year Presented each year by the Conservation Commission recognizes excellence in environmental protection or significant contributions to the advancement of conservation
Ali with her son, Evan
Nominated by one of her students at Amity High School, Ali is an environmental science teacher, passionate about inspiring a love for science and the natural world. Her students have volunteered to clear invasive plants from Bethany’s trails and they help maintain the campus pollinator garden she created.
She has also created a food rescue initiative through which thousands of pounds of donated school cafeteria food and drink have been given to Haven’s Harvest, an organization dedicated to reducing food waste.
Ali also serves as a member of the Bethany Conservation Commission, the Sustainable Bethany Committee and the Bethany Land Trust Board of Directors. As a CT State Master Naturalist, Ali leads hikes and delivers lectures on ecology and natural history.
She holds two master’s degrees, one in science education and the other in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences. Currently, she is seeking her PhD in Environmental Experiential Learning at the University of Idaho.