In Memory of Ralph W. Odell Jr.

A great friend and supporter of Putnam Highlands Audubon Society with a lifelong devotion to environmental conservation and preservation of natural open spaces passed peacefully this October.

He will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Mr. Odell had a lifelong interest in the study of birds. In his more formative years, as a high school student he assisted in forming a Junior Audubon Club. He went on to serve as a field trip leader, board member, and President of the Bedford Audubon Society in Westchester County, he was a founder of Putnam Highlands Audubon Society, based in Cold Spring, New York, and eventually served on the National Audubon Society’s board of directors. He also served as Co-Chair of the Arthur W. butler Sanctuary in Bedford, Westchester County, New York. Obituary

Here are fond remembrances written by friends

Nicole Wooten

I learned of Ralph’s incredible reputation in the conservation field before I ever had the honor of meeting him personally. One cold dark morning he invited me and the other birders into his home to kick off the annual Christmas bird count—my first bird count. I was struck by how warm and inviting he was, and how glad he was to see everyone who gathered in this shared of joy of birds. 

A few months later on, Lew Kingsley and I got to join him for lunch at his historic home and sat at his kitchen table. He took the time to help me learn to identify all the birds that came to his feeder while we chatted about local conservation efforts. Reading his bio, it’s incredible how accomplished yet humble he was. He leaves an inspiring legacy in caring for the natural world and welcoming others in to that share that joy

Jane Alexander

Ralph Odell came into my life in the early 1970s after my late husband Ed Sherin and I moved to Putnam County and I joined the Putnam Highlands Audubon Chapter. He and I birded different districts for the annual Christmas Bird Count but his house was the warm and wonderful place for the compilation every year. We went on lots of different birding excursions together, often with Marty Maguire, and I marveled at their skill for listening and identifying species.

Mostly I was grateful to them for mentoring me and for their friendship. When Ralph was appointed Director of Natural Resources by Governor Pataki, I was appointed to take over the seat he vacated on the NY State Parks Commission for the Taconic Region, an honor and aposition I loved under chair Lucy Waletsky. Ralph taught me what conservation was all about as he protected 1000s of acres for the state and expanded access for the public in places close to home like Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands.