Eric Brunden, Stewardship Coordinator at the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) in Baldwin County, was honored with the NERR System and NERR Association Award for Outstanding Contribution according to a news release.

The accolade was presented at the annual meeting of the national reserve system in New Jersey in Nov. 2023.

Weeks Bay NERR, managed by the State Lands Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), has been a vital part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) NERR System since its establishment in 1986.

“It is an honor to be recognized for my work at Weeks Bay,” Brunden said in the release. “It is especially meaningful to me that this recognition comes from my peers.”

The NERR Association and NOAA's Office for Coastal Management Stewardship Division bestow this award annually upon individuals or groups demonstrating exemplary leadership and sustained commitment to the national reserve system's mission.

“Eric has dedicated himself to the conservation of the estuary and surrounding habitats,” said Angela Underwood, Manager of Weeks Bay NERR. “He is most deserving of this honor. We are so grateful to have him on our team.”

Brunden's journey with Weeks Bay began in 1999 as a volunteer, where he contributed to various education programs. Simultaneously pursuing a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of South Alabama, he became a certified Alabama Water Watch monitor for the Weeks Bay Watershed Project.

In 2000, Brunden was hired as the lead technician overseeing the Reserve’s system-wide monitoring program. Beyond his required duties, he initiated special projects such as a marsh bird monitoring program, secured funding for trail restoration, and conducted interviews for historical ecological perspectives.

Promoted to Stewardship Coordinator in 2005, Brunden collaborated with numerous partners for research, monitoring, and habitat restoration. As a certified prescribed burn manager, he worked on annual prescribed burns with partners like The Nature Conservancy to restore fire-dependent ecosystems.

In addition to his professional role, Brunden serves as a mentor in various regional youth programs, showcasing his commitment to community engagement.

“Eric leads by example and truly embodies the best of what the national reserve system represents,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “We are very proud of Eric. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of this award.”

Encompassing more than 9,000 acres of tidal and forested wetlands within a small estuary, the Weeks Bay NERR is surrounded by a variety of wetland habitats that receive freshwater from the Fish and Magnolia rivers in south Alabama. Fire-dependent, pitcher plant bogs at Weeks Bay contain a myriad of rare species and are easily accessible on the Reserve's self-guided nature trails. Weeks Bay is one of 30 national estuarine reserves located in 23 states and Puerto Rico. For more information about Weeks Bay NERR, visit www.outdooralabama.com/lands/weeks-bay-reserve.

ADCNR, dedicated to the wise stewardship, management, and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources, operates through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.