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~~c ray ~.c a ec®tt or 'r c ive t e Freshwater Society's Board of Directors recognized Richard (Dick) G. Gray, Sr., D.Sc. and Richard (Dick) S. Caldecott, Ph.D., with a celebration of their lifelong devotion to society and the environment. Freshwater Society Board Chair Todd Bolin, Board of Directors and Vice President of Programs Blyth Brookman, Dean of the College of Biological Sciences Robert Elde, Businessman Wheelock Whitney, and Naturalist Jim Gilbert were among those honoring the Freshwater Society founders.. In 1968, Dick Gray and Dick Caldecott founded the Freshwater Society and raised funds and public support to build the Freshwater Biological Institute, now the Gray Freshwater Center. Dick Gray, an environmentalist and phenologist, spent many years as a resident on the shores of Lake Minnetonka and developed an impelling concern about what he perceived to be the progressive deterioration in the quality of the lake. To monitor his concerns he developed a laboratory in his home which enabled him to conduct daily analyses of water quality in the regions adjacent to his residence. What he observed persuaded him that deterioration of the water was pervasive and progressive. In his judgment, to reverse the condition would require concerted remedial action and could only be undertaken if it were based on a sound and comprehensive scientific footing and had the support of the community at large. This compelled him to elicit the support of the University of Minnesota, and ultimately, to work closely with Dick Caldecott who was Dean of the College of Biological Sciences. Working as a team, using resources of the University and gifts from private sources, they plotted the strategy for developing a comprehensive fresh water research program, and the physical facilities to house highly qualified research scientists and students. The students and faculty who conducted research, training, and public education at what is now named the Gray Freshwater Center are known world-wide for their contributions. Through the years the Freshwater Society has reduced its emphasis on science and technology. It now plays a major role in educating the public in the compelling need that exists for more prudent managing of the freshwater resources in this nation and the world beyond. Dick Gray and Dick Caldecott would like to think that their legacy will be the recognition of the truism that "Water is Life'; a phrase that Dick Gray coined 40 years ago and is now a commonly used theme. On August 20, 2007, Dick Gray and Dick Caldecott became Emeritus Directors on the Freshwater Society Board, entrusting their visions to endure and grow. ii a Ste i r ~ n October 26, 2007, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) honored Dick Gray and Dick Caldecott at the Watershed Heroes "Blue Tie" Gala at the Lafayette Club in Minnetonka Beach. The event celebrated 40 years of people engaging with government to protect and improve natural resources. Dick Gray and Dick Caldecott were presented the Lifetime Stewardship Award for co-founding the Gray Freshwater Biological Institute (GFBI) and their pioneering water quality research. "The Watershed Heroes Awards show a deep level of commitment and effort on behalf of these fine individuals. The watershed's citizens and natural resources have benefited enormously from their incredible passion and energies" said Jim Calkins, MCWD Board President. FACETS December 2007 Dick Gray and Dick Caldecott, 1968 Dick Gray and Dick Caldecott MCWD Board Members Honor Dick Gray and Dick Caldecott