Cambridge Honors 2016 Fresh Pond Stewardship Award Recipients

City officials presented the 2016 Fresh Pond Stewardship Awards to former Mayor and City Councilor Henrietta Davis and the late Chip Norton, who served as Watershed Manager from 1991-2014.  Both recipients were recognized for their environmental stewardship and long-standing commitment to Fresh Pond Reservation, and their overall efforts to help preserve, protect and maintain this precious natural resource. Fresh Pond includes 11,730 linear feet of accessible paths.

Henrietta Davis served as a City Councilor for 16 years and throughout that time, she was a prominent steward of Fresh Pond Reservation. Davis came up with the idea that led to the establishment of the annual Fresh Pond Day to celebrate Fresh Pond Reservation and educate residents about this critical wildlife habitat that protects the City’s drinking water supply and provides the community with a large open space and green, recreational oasis.  When the Fresh Pond Master Plan was initially being developed, Davis also supported and helped preserve the Maynard Ecology Center for educating Cambridge school children about the benefits of nature, wildlife, plants, and the water cycle.

“Henrietta helped pave the way for so many of the ‘green’ policies we have today,” said City Manager Richard C. Rossi. “When I think of all she has done to help us preserve this great open space, this award is well deserved.”

Chip Norton served as Cambridge Watershed Manager for 23 years and relentlessly pursued the restoration and preservation of Fresh Pond Preservation. He significantly contributed to and affected the outcome of several Reservation projects, including Little Fresh Pond, the Northeast Sector, the Neville Community Garden, Maher Park, Butterfly Meadow, Black’s Nook, Glacken Slope, and Kingsley Park.

“I can’t think of a better way to acknowledge and honor Chip for all he contributed to this precious natural resource we have to enjoy,” said Water Department Managing Director Sam Corda, who also thanked Chip’s family for attending the ceremony and accepting the posthumous award.

“I am so pleased to be here today to honor these recipients for the legacy they are leaving for our children,” said Mayor E. Denise Simmons.  “Thanks to all our stewards who help keep this jewel (Fresh Pond Reservation) so vibrant.”

Photo: Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons, former Mayor and City Councilor Henrietta Davis, City Manager Richard C. Rossi, Julia and Hope Norton (accepting award on behalf of the late Chip Norton), and Sam Corda, Managing Director of Cambridge Water Department.