David Burg, New York naturalist and conservationist, died suddenly on July 11, 2020, while doing what he loved best—enjoying a day out in one of New York’s natural areas.
David had a way of quickly befriending people he’d just met. As one who struggles with shyness, I was always amazed by his ease at starting conversations with strangers. But his conversations were not just idle chit-chat. He really got to know people. He knew how to draw out their interests and was always fascinated by their stories. He was a mentor who taught so many to appreciate the beauty and importance of the natural world. David was a family man. He cared deeply for his family and for all of us who were lucky enough to belong to his “adopted” family. To see the influence he had on people’s lives, one need only look at his Facebook page and read the incredible number of tributes written by friends, family, and even people he had never met in person but knew from Facebook conversations.
David formed his non-profit, WildMetro to fight for the preservation of the nature around us, never an easy task. Despite the difficulties, he always managed to remain positive, continually teaching and fighting. His knowledge, curiosity, and incessant defense of nature inspired and continues to inspire so many of us. He was generous with his knowledge and his time, never thinking twice about driving out of his way to pick up people who needed a ride, just to make sure they were able to join a nature walk. He knew all the local natural areas intimately and was eager to share them with anyone willing to take a walk with him. He led regular New Year’s Day walks and especially enjoyed leading the yearly Superb Owl Walk (for those of us who are not football fans). It was on these walks that some of us got to see nesting owls in New York for the first time!
David considered himself a birder first but was interested in all of nature. He had a special affinity for trees, especially the radiant field-grown oaks he was so fond of showing off to all of us. He was a naturalist, something that has become increasingly rare. And this world needs more naturalists. Thankfully, the young men and women he mentored are now excellent naturalists themselves, continuing the work of conservation and teaching.
If you read the posts regarding the loss of David, you will notice one theme throughout: we all feel our time spent with him was not enough. We all want one more walk in nature with David. New York has lost a nature champion and we have all lost a dear friend.
– Regina Alvarez