GENESEO, N.Y., May 20, 2025 — The Livingston County Environmental Management Council (EMC) has presented Dr. Eric Randall and Karl Hanafin with this year’s Livingston County Earth Day Award. The EMC presents this annual award to an individual or organization to recognize their outstanding achievements in helping to preserve, improve, or educate about the Livingston County environment.
The EMC recognized Randall and Hanafin for their long-term commitment to the health and protection of the Livingston County environment, with special focus on Conesus Lake, the watershed, and water quality issues. Both are highly regarded as exemplary educators, mentors, scientists and researchers. Randall is known for sharing his wealth of knowledge, his passion for the natural world, his engagement of young minds, and his ability to excite others in learning. Hanafin is noted for readily sharing his engineering background with others, innovation of new science and environmental technology, dedication to research collaboration, and his supportive nature that inspires learning.
EMC officials also highlighted Randall’s passion for educating grade school youth and Hanafin’s dedication to college and university students. Both have a hands-on approach to learning. Hanafin was instrumental in bringing SUNY Brockport and SUNY Geneseo students to Livonia’s Watershed Education Center to present on their student research. With Randall’s expertise in maple sugaring, he has been a key figure in helping Livonia Central School obtain a sugarhouse and add a robust curriculum for student research and marketing.
The EMC values this special opportunity to select both Randall and Hanafin for the Earth Day Award for their complimentary and synergistic efforts, noting that what “Dr. Randall does for the land, Mr. Hanafin does for the water.” The EMC commends Hanafin and Randall for their impressive work and dedication to the natural environment of Livingston County and the Finger Lakes region at-large, and for their contributions to the science and environmental education of area youth. Their achievements have contributed to the protection and conservation of Livingston County’s natural resources and to the quality of life for local residents.
For more information, visit the Livingston County EMC website or call 585-243-7550.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.