SALEM — Chris Burke got to know Salem Woods when he moved here in 1992. From his neighborhood in Pickman Park, he took long walks in the woods, a 160-acre sanctuary of plants, trails and wildlife.
That same year, he attended a community meeting that troubled him. Golfers and their supporters wanted to expand nine-hole Olde Salem Green into an 18-hole municipal golf course. The expansion would extend into neighboring Salem Woods.
Burke, a lawyer, joined The Friends of Salem Woods and soon became its president, a post he has held, off and on, ever since. The group had to fight again about six years ago when new interest surfaced to expand the golf course.
With the aid of Mayor Kim Driscoll, who was then a city councilor, and other councilors, steps were taken to protect the woods against future encroachment. Once again, The Friends of Salem Woods — and Chris Burke — were in the middle of the action.
For his efforts, this week Burke received the Hawthorne Hotel's 2009 Historic Preservation Award in a ceremony at the hotel.
"Chris has been pivotal to the protection and preservation of Salem Woods for nearly two decades, both through his individual actions and as a leader in The Friends of Salem Woods organization," said Kristie Poehler, regional director of sales and marketing at the historic hotel.
Past award recipients include former Mayor Sam Zoll, noted architecture critic Ada Louise Huxtable, and neighborhood activists Alice and Delores Jordan.
Salem State College shared the 2009 award with Burke for its support of preservation efforts in the woods and its work on a new trail guide. Cited were professors Alan Young and Marcos Luna, graduate student Jennifer Sumael, and resident Jeanne Stella, who cataloged plants growing in Salem Woods.
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