If you enjoy Presque Isle State Park’s natural beauty, admire the tranquility of Gull Point, or awe at the beautiful colors of the butterflies along the shores of Presque Isle, Jean Stull Cunningham is someone you should thank.

 

Jean Stull Cunningham, who now resides in Waterford, PA, has served the Erie community and surrounding area in many different ways. Jean served her community as an art teacher for thirty six years in the Fort Leboeuf, Bessemer, and Union City Pennsylvania public School Districts.

 

Besides teaching, Jean has many other passions, including art. She graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education. She is also part of the American Watercolor Society and has appeared in several exhibitions, including the Erie Art Museum, Kada Gallery, Gannon University’s Schuster Gallery, and many more. Jean’s work can be found in various book references, including Who’s Who in American Art and The Artist Bluebook.

 

Following her passion for the environment, Jean effectively aided in the protection of Presque Isle’s natural environment. Jean is a founding member of the Presque Isle Advisory Committee and worked in the development of the original Presque Isle Nature Center, coordinated regional data for the first Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas, acted as a participant for the University of Toronto Insect Migration Studies project, instructed classes, and guided field trips. Jean devoted much of her time to protect and preserve natural areas, plants, and animals throughout the park. Jean’s most special environmental interest, however, was birds. In 1960, she was granted a license to band birds to better understand their migration patterns. Along with her late husband Jim Stull, who worked alongside her in many of her environmental efforts, Jean wrote a book titled Birds of Erie County.

 

Many people were touched by her work, including Ranger Randy Neyer, who said, “Remembering the times Jean and I shared together, binoculars around our necks and field guides conveniently tucked away in a pocket, always brings a smile to my face. Many lessons were learned standing by her side.”

 

“Jean Stull is an excellent choice for this years John Oliver award.  Jean has been an inspiration to me personally, and has touched so many with her love of Presque Isle through her life's work in the environment and the birding world, as well as through her awe inspiring art work, capturing the Peninsula and it's natural inhabitants in her own special way," said Harry Leslie, Park Operations Manager at Presque Isle State Park.

  

As an outstanding artist and dedicated naturalist, Jean Stull Cunningham was awarded the John C. Oliver Environmental Leadership Award in 2010. She has been an inspiration to many, and her work will never be forgotten.