Long Time Volunteer Becomes New
Development Director
Diane grew up in Ridgefield Park, NJ, where the Hackensack River and the Overpeck Creek converge. Except for a brief time away at school she has continued to live in Bergen County and now resides in Park Ridge, NJ, in the northern section of our watershed. "I love this area. Right now I cannot imagine living anywhere else," Diane says. "There is so much natural beauty, right here in our own backyards."
Several years ago she took an introductory class in bird watching, and was "bitten" by the birding bug. "I had been a 'backyard' birder for awhile, watching what came to the feeder and trying to identify them," Diane explains. "But the class really sparked an interest in me to spend more time bird watching, and to learn how to identify birds in the field."
Diane realized that she would have to learn more about the great outdoors in order to get out and enjoy her new-found hobby, and began going on birding trips, nature walks and other outdoor-related programs as often as possible. Her love of birding led her into other activities, and a genuine concern for our environment and for conservation naturally followed.
"I really enjoy birding, kayaking, hiking or just spending time outside - and it has become very important to me to preserve the natural space and resources we have so that they continue to be there for us to enjoy" Diane says. "If a healthy habitat is not maintained, many birds, mammals, fish and reptiles would not have a place to call home."
A natural outgrowth of her new interests was a desire to help protect the environment. Like many local individuals, she was frustrated by the decline of open space and wildlife in our area and the increases in pollution. Diane began working with Hackensack Riverkeeper as a volunteer several years ago, participating in cleanups and assisting the Riverkeeper at various events.
"HRI was always working to clean up the Hackensack River Watershed and provide recreational opportunities on and around the river" Diane said. "I was happy to do whatever I could to support them."
She also joined Hugh Carola on several Eco-Walks and she credits Hugh as being a birding "mentor", always ready to answer questions and help a novice birder. She became committed to HRI's mission to protect, preserve and restore the Hackensack River Watershed and occasionally represented HRI at events when the staff was otherwise occupied.
"I love talking to people about the diverse beauty of this area, and the work and programs of Hackensack Riverkeeper," Diane explains. For the last few years Diane also helped to plan HRI's Annual Awards Dinner as a volunteer member of the Awards Dinner Committee.
After a 25-year career in International Transportation and Freight Forwarding, Diane wanted to turn her passion for the river and the watershed into a full-time occupation. In December of 2006 she was lucky enough to make her dream a reality when she was hired as our new Development Director. "In my new position, I hope to use my years of corporate experience and acquired skills to support and expand the work of Hackensack Riverkeeper" Diane said, "I also look forward to meeting our many friends and supporters personally"
Diane tries to get out birding as often as possible, but when she is not birding, Diane enjoys reading, watching old movies and spending time with her boyfriend Jeff and other friends. At least a few times a year, she enjoys getting out in a kayak and paddling through the marshes of the Meadowlands. Diane comments "I never get tired of spending time on the River, there is always so much to see and enjoy!" |
We'd like you to meet Hackensack
Riverkeeper's new Development Director, Diane Saccoccia. Diane may look
familiar to some of you, as she has been a part of the HRI family for several
years.