Tom Romito

HOMETOWN: Cleveland, OH

Tom Romito goes the extra mile—or in his case, 31 miles—for conservation.  

As president of the grassroots, volunteer-based Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society (WCAS), Tom helped to start the 31-mile Ultra-Walk and for the past two years, has walked 31 miles in 11 hours to raise funds and public awareness to preserve habitat in the Rocky River watershed.

The Rocky River Valley is a unique ecosystem on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio: a beautiful mix of rivers, wetland forests, ponds and hilltops. The habitat supports deer, fox, rabbits, and pheasants, and is a breeding ground for select neo-tropical migrants, such as the Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Prothonotary Warbler, Great Crested Flycatcher, and Scarlet Tanager.

After retiring from the U.S. Army Reserve and Federal Government, Tom has devoted himself to conservation and volunteerism in the Rocky River Valley.  The 31-mile Ultra-Walk is just one example of Tom’s commitment to the environment.  He has developed and is championing a five-year breeding bird survey which will correlate the rise and fall of bird populations in the watershed, using differing land quality indicators.  Now in its third year, this landmark survey will be used to influence public officials and developers to make wise land use decisions.

A strong believer in the power of volunteering, Tom has been able to grow the WCAS’ volunteer force ten fold since 2006.  It is WCAS volunteers who are responsible for the success of the breeding bird survey which they are conducting.

“I encourage people everywhere to help make a difference in conservation by getting involved in an organization or activity in which they can invest their time and energy,” said Tom. “This is the only way we can ensure that our environment is preserved for future generations.”

Tom will not rest until wise land use decisions are made for the Rocky River Valley – an outcome that will benefit wildlife and humans alike.