ANDREW E. SABIN

President of the Board of Directors, South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center

Sofo, as it’s often called, is a museum with a true sense of place. Visitors can observe and touch sea creatures, then take what they’ve learned and explore the Long Pond Greenbelt right outside. WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL: “It’s the only place on the South Fork where a young person can get a hands-on nature experience and learn about biodiversity—everything from mushrooms to owls to snakes to salamanders to seals,” Sabin says.

WHY CHILDREN ARE THE

PRIORITY: “You want to create the future stewards of the world. Not only do they learn for themselves, they can go back to their parents and say, ‘You know what? I heard the earth is warming.’ If you think the planet is precious, you want young people to experience it and learn.” HIS IMPACT: Protecting the planet is a key mission for Sabin, who has protected 252,000 acres around the world and visited 106 countries. As he puts it, “I’m driven by my love of people, the planet, and wanting to leave the earth a better place.” THE ANNUAL GALA: Held in early July, the fundraiser honored Nejma and Peter Beard this year, along with animal conservationists Alan Rabinowitz, who protects the world’s jaguars and tigers, and Chris Fischer, who focuses on great white shark conservation. HOW HE RELAXES: A longdistance cyclist, Sabin often explores the area by bike, as well as by kayak. 377 Bridgehampton-sag Harbor Tpk., Bridgehampton, 631-5379735; sofo.org