How has your previous work experience prepared you for the role of Project Manager?
Prior to joining ASA, I was a project manager with Saratoga PLAN, another non-profit conservation organization based in Saratoga County. There I really learned the ins and outs of conservation and grew more passionate about the importance of conservation. That experience confirmed that this was the right path for me and helped me realize that I want to work with landowners closer to home. Plus, my husband and I recently purchased 60 acres of mostly forested land in Rensselaer County that we plan to build on and turn into a working forest and hobby farm. I’m excited to be living and learning from the land we’re working to conserve.
What about your new role excites you most?
One of the best parts of my job is getting out and seeing the land we’re conserving. It really brings home why this work is so important to those who work the land now and those who might want to work it in the future. If I have kids and they want to one day be farmers, what I’m doing is helping to ensure that quality, affordable land will be there for them to pursue their dreams. Plus, I enjoy connecting with the agricultural community. Everyone has an amazing story and history. Every day I learn something new.
What’s the most rewarding part of the work you do?
Helping landowners understand what an easement can mean for them and their families is really satisfying. There’s a lot of misunderstanding about the land conservation process. People often think that they’ll lose ownership of their land if they get an easement. I spend a lot of time explaining how conservation easements work and exploring what different conservation strategies can mean for a landowner. My job isn’t to sell them on an easement: it’s to work WITH them to find ways to protect their beautiful land.
