Stowe Land Trust (SLT) has hired a Conservation Program Manager. Kristen Sharpless of Stowe began work at SLT on April 28 and replaces Assistant Director Rebecca Washburn who left SLT in February to work for the Land Trust Alliance. Sharpless will play a central role in completing future land protection projects at SLT, and is responsible for implementing the organization’s stewardship program for its portfolio of conservation easements and fee land. She will also coordinate and promote SLT’s educational outings and events.
Sharpless brings ten years of experience working for conservation in Vermont as an educator and ecologist. Most recently, she served as a Conservation Biologist for Audubon Vermont where she partnered with foresters and landowners to promote forest songbird conservation and woodland stewardship through the Forest Bird Initiative. She also has experience supporting land stewardship – particularly on municipal forests - as both a consulting ecologist and volunteer on town commissions. A trained naturalist and teacher, Sharpless particularly enjoys connecting people of all ages with the outdoors through hands-on, active learning and volunteer projects. Caitrin Maloney, Executive Director is enthusiastic: “We are delighted to have Kristen join our team. She is an incredibly polished professional who is highly regarded amongst her peers. Her extensive experience in conservation science in Vermont and knowledge of the local landscape are great assets that will allow her to hit the ground running with Stowe Land Trust.”
Connecting with Stowe’s outdoors is a regular part of Sharpless’ daily routine whether she’s birding in Kirchner Woods, skiing at Trapps, or stacking firewood from a local woodlot. “As a local, I get to enjoy the gifts that Stowe’s conserved lands provide all the time: beautiful views, accessible trails, extensive forests, and productive farms. I am grateful for all that SLT, its partners, and the greater Stowe community have already accomplished and am enthusiastic about helping to keep our working landscape intact, accessible, and resilient,” said Kristen.
Stowe Land Trust is a member-supported, non-profit land conservation organization dedicated to the conservation of scenic, recreational, and productive farm and forest lands for the benefit of the greater Stowe community. Since 1987, SLT has conserved nearly 3,500 acres of land in Stowe, Waterbury and Morrisville, including five properties that SLT owns and manages for recreation. By permanently protecting land, SLT strives to enhance community and ecological values including high quality recreation, scenic views, a rural working landscape, and a local economy supported by the area's natural resources.