Squam Lakes welcomes new board members and 2026 Horizon award recipient

HOLDERNESS — Squam Lakes Natural Science Center welcomes David Katz and Morgan Stepp to its board of trustees and honor Dr. Ellyn Tighe as the 2026 Horizon Award recipient.

Katz has been involved with the Science Center since 2013, serving as a Lake Education volunteer, Lake Cruise coordinator, Tour Captain, and current member of the Development Committee. Katz brings professional and community leadership experience to the board, including a more than 40-year career with a global engineering and construction company. He has also served in community leadership roles with the Town of New Hampton and Lakes Region Planning Commission.

Stepp’s connection to the Science Center spans generations. His mother worked as an animal caretaker in the 1980s, and both parents have been involved with the organization. Stepp later spent two seasons coordinating the Science Center’s Lake Cruises. Stepp is currently a teacher at Holderness School, where he continues his connection to the local community. His son and daughter are both graduates of the Science Center’s Blue Heron School, extending his family’s longstanding relationship with the organization.

The Horizon Award honors those who have shown exceptional and extended service to the Science Center through their leadership, passion, and commitment to its mission. Dr. Ellyn Tighe began her relationship with the Science Center as a summer education intern in 1989 and, after completing her veterinary studies, joined Plymouth Animal Hospital in 1994. She has served as the Science Center’s primary veterinarian ever since, providing care for its diverse animal collection for more than three decades. Over the years, she has helped with palpitating a 400-pound bear, de-scented countless skunks, and successfully performed ACL surgery on a fisher.

Her expertise, dedication, and willingness to care for animals in every circumstance have made her an invaluable part of the Science Center community.

Founded in 1966, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center advances understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. For more information, visit nhnature.org.