On March 1, the nonprofit conservation organization NorthWoods Stewardship Center will have a new Executive Director. Maria Young, who has served the organization for over 10 years as Education Director, will take the helm. Maria is recognized by the organization and its partners for her connection to the people and places of the Northeast Kingdom, her optimism about the positive impact that NorthWoods has on both human and natural communities, and her effectiveness at working with others to accomplish goals.
“Maria is passionate about NorthWoods, its mission and values and loves to share compelling stories of ongoing conservation work. As a natural leader, she is highly regarded and respected by staff, community members, as well as the partners and stakeholders of the organization. She motivates others through teamwork and collaboration, inspiring the hard work necessary to ensure that programs have a positive impact” said President of the Board Cathie Wheeler. “The Board of Trustees is thrilled that Maria, with her experience, dedication and enthusiasm, is ready to take on the challenge of leading NorthWoods.”
Maria’s appreciation of the culture and landscape of the Northeast Kingdom formed in childhood, growing up on her family farm in West Glover. Maria graduated from Middlebury College with a major in environmental studies, and in 2002, worked at NorthWoods as an assistant Crew Leader for the Conservation Corps. That summer, she built trails in remote locations in the newly created Silvio O. Conte Wildlife Refuge, providing a foundation for conservation service that continues to influence her today.
In her role as Education Director at NorthWoods, Maria has developed and facilitated dynamic programming that empowers others to engage with the natural world and has helped to support the growth that has marked the last five years at NorthWoods. As the Executive Director, Maria is excited to leverage this experience and her connections in the region to grow NorthWoods’ capacity to serve as a hub for conservation education and action in the community. Maria said, “I believe this goal is supported by state-wide initiatives that highlight the ecological and economic value of improving water quality and keeping forests connected, promoting climate change resilience, ensuring sustainable access to recreation, and values leadership opportunities for youth.”
Last year, NorthWoods Stewardship Center celebrated its 30th Anniversary. In 2019 alone, NorthWoods employed over 90 young adults working on 25 trails at 16 sites in 6 states, implemented water quality improvements in 7 watersheds, planted over 10,000 trees, shrubs and perennials, worked with 26 private landowners on sustainable forestry practices, and engaged over 5,000 local students in environmental education programs.
NorthWoods’ success over its 30-year history has been marked by strong leadership and staff commitment to the mission– from seasonal crew members and instructors, to year-round staff whose vision has guided programs in Forest Stewardship, Conservation Science and Corps, and Environmental Education. “I am humbled and inspired by this legacy,” said Maria, “and I see the potential to grow NorthWoods’ impact as a pivotal organization in determining the future of conservation and community in the Northeast Kingdom, one sapling, one trail mile, one camper, and one crew member at a time.”