We are pleased to welcome two new Review Specialists, Natalie Buttala and StephaniePeña.
Natalie previously served as Conservation Director for the Land Trust of Virginia where she managed the organization’s easement and stewardship programs. She also worked as a Habitat Protection Specialist for Pheasants Forever, assisting with the organization’s fee-acquisition program.
Natalie began her professional career working in the field on a trail crew, which gave her unfiltered experience working hands-on with the land. That work fostered a deep understanding/appreciation for how land conservation contributes to the success of wildlife, recreation, and the environment.
She then transitioned into transactions and acquisition work where she helped landowners achieve their goals, establish best practices, and identify and prioritize unique historical and environmental features to protect.
When she is not working, she can almost always be found outdoors in her home of the mountain west, where she is lucky to have access to incredible skiing, rock climbing, fly fishing, biking and much more. Her favorite activity is going on hikes with her two dogs and exploring the mountains, valleys, and rivers together.
Stephanie previously served as a Senior Conservation Manager at Washington Farmland Trust, where she helped protect nearly 400 acres of working farmland north of Seattle, Washington. Prior to her farmland protection work, Stephanie owned and operated a diversified farm in Southern Oregon and dedicated herself to food sovereignty and justice efforts.
She ventured into official conservation work later in life via a roundabout path that started with an enthusiasm for food and where it comes from, how it is grown, and how it ends up on your plate. As a kid whose family regularly relied on the food bank for weekly meals and volunteered there as well, food was always on her mind. That led to milking two jersey cows on a farm in rural Oregon, selling raw milk and yogurt from her barn, and starting a diversified farm.
Farming in a forest naturally pulled on more conservation threads which split and spread wider than she could have imagined.
She is inspired to continue working in conservation and centering equity as land trusts continue to push the bounds of what is possible and reimagining what conservation looks like.
Her favorite way to spend time outdoors is with a backpack full of snacks and some ice-cold water.
We need to hear from you if you...
Have a new executive director.
Changed geographical area.
Have a new contact for accreditation.
Changed corporate structure.
Changed names.
Decided to merge with another organization.
Changed programming, such as accepting easements when previously only accepting fee lands.
Land Trust Alliance 1250 H St. NW, Suite 600 Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, United States
The mission of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission is to inspire excellence, promote public trust and ensure permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing land trust organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and that strive for continuous improvement.
Land Trust Accreditation Commission, 36 Phila St, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
