SOLOMONS, Md., June 17, 2025 — Matt Neff, Curator of Estuarine Biology at the Calvert Marine Museum, received the Southern Maryland Audubon Society’s 2025 Conservationist of the Year Award on June 15. The ceremony recognized Neff’s extensive contributions to environmental conservation, including his leadership in citizen science programs, herpetological surveys, and habitat restoration efforts in Southern Maryland.
Neff was presented the award by Southern Maryland Audubon President Molly Moore, Conservation Chair Bob Lukinic, and Mike Callahan, Maryland Master Naturalist Coordinator for the Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center. The event highlighted Neff’s 13-year commitment to FrogWatch, a citizen science program monitoring frog populations, as well as his decade-long work leading herpetological surveys with the Virginia Herpetological Society. Additionally, Neff has enhanced local wildlife habitats by establishing native plant gardens and a frog pond at the Calvert Marine Museum.
“I’m thrilled and honored to receive the award, but I still have much more I want to do!” Neff said, expressing gratitude while emphasizing his ongoing dedication to conservation.
FrogWatch, now in its 13th season, engages volunteers in tracking frog populations across the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia region through acoustic monitoring. The Calvert Marine Museum’s FrogWatch chapter, hosted by Neff, provides training to identify local frog and toad calls, utilizing recordings from the Virginia Herpetological Society and Lang Elliott of NatureSound Studio. Neff has also secured six acoustic recorders through a Chesapeake Bay Trust grant to enhance data collection.
Neff’s work with the Virginia Herpetological Society includes conducting surveys to document reptile and amphibian populations, contributing valuable data to regional conservation efforts. His habitat initiatives at the museum, such as native plant gardens, support Maryland’s biodiversity by providing food and shelter for pollinators and other wildlife. The frog pond, a newer addition, creates a breeding ground for amphibians, further bolstering local ecosystems.
The Southern Maryland Audubon Society, a leader in regional conservation, has long championed environmental education and habitat protection. Its annual Conservationist of the Year Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to preserving natural resources. Past programs by the society, such as native plant workshops led by Moore, align with Neff’s efforts to promote sustainable landscapes, as noted on their website
Neff’s multifaceted approach—combining citizen science, field research, and habitat restoration—has made a tangible impact on Southern Maryland’s environment. His leadership in FrogWatch has mobilized community members to contribute to scientific research, while his surveys with the Virginia Herpetological Society provide critical insights into the health of local herpetofauna. The native plant gardens and frog pond at the museum serve as models for community-driven conservation, encouraging others to adopt similar practices.
As Southern Maryland faces challenges like habitat loss and climate change, Neff’s work underscores the importance of grassroots efforts in preserving biodiversity. His ongoing projects aim to expand citizen science participation and further enhance local habitats, ensuring a sustainable future for Maryland’s wildlife.
