Maine Audubon recently lost one of our long time staff members, Robert “Bos” Savage.
Bos started at Maine Audubon in October of 1988 as Buildings and Grounds Manager for Gilsland Farm in Falmouth and was given the additional responsibility of Land Steward for all Maine Audubon properties in the early 1990s. Bos became Director of Properties in 2000 when Maine Audubon acquired Borestone and Hog Island sanctuaries from National Audubon.
Bos left a long trail of accomplishments. Among them are the acquisition of Fields Pond and construction of its Environmental Center in Holden, construction of the “green” Environmental Center at Gilsland Farm, renovations to trails and buildings at Borestone Mountain Sanctuary, improvements at Hog Island Sanctuary (now a National Audubon Sanctuary), a master plan for Hamilton Sanctuary and the transfer of several properties to local land trusts. Evidence of his work can be seen at all Maine Audubon properties.
While these are enduring projects, they are not the full measure of his contribution. Bos was the ultimate “people” person. Everyone who worked with him has a “Bos story” to share–most of which include his love of fishing and incredible sense of humor. For Bos, the properties were the means to provide everyone, especially kids, with a special experience in nature. They were his way of sharing a love for Maine and the outdoors.
Bos’ legacy will continue to serve visitors and wildlife in perpetuity. Thank you for everything, Bos, you are deeply missed.
