The Nature Conservancy Announces 2008 Earth and Ocean Gala

Daniel L. Murphy, Chairman and CEO of Madison National Bank to be Honored

Cold Spring Harbor, NY — February 28, 2008 — The Nature Conservancy announced today that it will host its seventh annual Earth & Ocean Gala on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at The Nature Conservancy's flagship Long Island preserve, Uplands Farm Nature Sanctuary, in Cold Spring Harbor. Cocktails begin at 6:30 pm, dinner at 7:30 pm.

The Earth and Ocean Gala is a celebration of nature that draws more than 500 corporate, community and government leaders in support of conservation on Long Island. Funds raised from the gala will help The Nature Conservancy foster “Long Island’s Last Stand,” its ambitious commitment to preserve and protect the 25,000 acres of significant remaining open space in Nassau and Suffolk counties. It will also help the Conservancy restore forests, harbors, bays, and wetlands throughout Long Island.

This year’s gala honoree is Daniel L. Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Madison National Bank, who is being recognized for his commitment to Long Island’s environment.

“Madison National Bank is an important addition to the Long Island business community and Dan is being honored for his commitment to the community and as a partner in working to protect Long Island's natural heritage for now and for future generations,” said Nancy Kelley, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy on Long Island. “We applaud Dan’s commitment to helping to conserve the natural beauty and open spaces that make Long Island such a great place to live.”

“Madison National Bank is proud to put its effort behind such an important initiative and applauds the Nature Conservancy in their role as stewards of nature and their mission to preserve life,” said Murphy. “The work of the Conservancy today ensures our quality of life for a better tomorrow. “

To inquire about Gala tickets, sponsorship opportunities and journal pages, or to learn more about the work of The Nature Conservancy on Long Island, please contact Juliet Bohaty at (631) 367-3225 x137.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 102 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. Visit The Nature Conservancy's Long Island Chapter on the Web at www.nature.org/longisland.

Long Island’s Last Stand is a 10-year action plan to save Long Island’s most significant remaining open spaces and farmland and to restore and protect our harbors, bays, and public parkland. Long Island’s Last Stand is supported by a coalition of concerned citizens, farmers, business leaders and conservation groups who are taking a stand to protect remaining natural areas and to restore Long Island’s lands, waters and way of life. Visit www.linature.org for more information.