Coming from a long line of Vermont farmers, storekeepers and teachers; and raised in an old school house in Grand Isle, Emily is guided by strong sense of place and deep commitment to her community.  Emily joined SHLT in 2009, working as Programs Director for 6 years before being appointed Executive Director in 2015. Emily’s particular interest is the connections that people form with the landscape in which they live. Emily values engagement with agriculture and natural areas, access to local (and delicious) foods, community gathering spaces, and gardens. She is very pleased to be able to promote these passions within the community through her work with South Hero Land Trust. She loves spending time outdoors with her family, whether on the trail or at the farmers’ market.

Contact Emily by calling 802-372-3786 or emailing Emily@SHLT.org

Guy grew up in Portland, Oregon and fell in love with the outdoors at a young age. Following his passion for nature led him to Olympia, Washington to attend The Evergreen State College, where he received his bachelor's degree in restoration ecology. Following school, Guy had stints as a field botanist, restoration coordinator, environmental educator, and vegetable farmer.

Guy and his wife Danielle moved to Vermont in 2017. He started his position at SHLT soon thereafter. Guy is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. In his free time he enjoys hanging out with his dogs, hiking, kayaking, gardening, reading, and playing guitar.

Contact Guy by calling 802-372-3786 or emailing Guy@SHLT.org

Jenna moved to Vermont in 2013 to pursue a degree at the University of Vermont. At the time, she believed it was a temporary move…and over a decade later, she’s grateful to have found a home and community that shares her love of the outdoors, vibrant food systems, and connection with others. After seven years of community engagement and network building at Hunger Free Vermont, Jenna was honored and thrilled to join the team at South Hero Land Trust in 2023. Outside of work, you’ll find Jenna playing with her husband and two young children, gardening, or enjoying all the ways to be active and outside in Vermont’s (many) seasons. 

Contact Jenna by calling 802-372-3786, or emailing Jenna@SHLT.org

Matt Bartle grew up visiting his grandfather in South Hero, and as an adult, returned to live here with his wife, Kristen, and their three children. Matt is the co-owner and founder of Two Heroes Brewery & Public House. He believes that community is the most important aspect of South Hero, and established Two Heroes to provide a local gathering place for community members and visitors alike. Matt also founded Wally’s Place: Bagel and Deli, named after his grandfather, Walter "Wally" Niebling, who was known for his generosity and support of the local food shelf.

As a small business owner, SHLT board member, and active community member, Matt and his family continue the tradition of working to build community and support our neighbors. Matt currently serves as Vice President of the South Hero Land Trust Board of Directors.

Bob Buermann is a 9th generation Islander who believes that we are caretakers of the land. After a 34 year IBM career Bob continues to be a part-time farmer at Paradise Bay Farm with his wife Ann, and has also become a full-time volunteer. In addition to his work with South Hero Land Trust he has represented South Hero on the Northwest Regional Planning Commission Board, the Northwest Solid Waste District Board, and with Green Mountain Transit. His interests are a combination of environmental and social, helping to ensure minimal human impact on the environment while helping everyone to be productive members of society.

Bob Chutter, his wife Karin, and their two children Gaelan and Hillary, moved to South Hero in 1993. Bob engaged in the local community from early on by serving on the school board and organizing and coaching teams in the local Island Soccer Club for many years. His interest in land conservation began from a hunting trip in 1991, with a relative who had conserved his land in the Mad River Valley. Bob is a Software Manager and Engineer at BioTek Instruments and an avid gardener of vegetables and small fruit trees.

Kelsey O’Connor

Kelsey and her husband Phelan (along with their two children and dogs Potato, Hank, and Malia) own the conserved Landon Farm, where they run Pigasus Meats. Kelsey and Phelan began farming in North Carolina while attending Warren Wilson College. Kelsey, a psychology major, became passionate about animal health and well-being while managing the College farm’s farrow-to-finish pork operation. She continues to work in healthcare as an RN at the UVM Medical Center. Kelsey sees farming as a way to be proactive stewards of the land, provide humane animal husbandry, produce high-quality food products through a pastured system, and engage actively with our community.

Kelsey currently serves as Secretary of the South Hero Land Trust’s Board of Directors.

South Hero is a special place and Lisa is grateful that land conservation is an important part of her community.  Her greatest passion is spending time with her two teenage kids and her husband. Skiing, sailing and traveling are their favorite family pastimes. Lisa is the Managing Director of the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation.  While she is not directly involved in making ice cream, she has an appreciation of what goes into making something that people enjoy while also giving back to the community. In addition she is thankful to the many farmworkers who pick the good food we put on our table.

Lisa currently serves as Treasurer of the South Hero Land Trust Board of Directors.

Reina T. Warren, a professional teacher and environmental educator, has lived in South Hero since 1993. She joined the board of SHLT in 2001. In 2002, she created The Lands, The Farm and Me, a partnership program between farmers, teachers, parents and community members designed to teach Folsom School students, first hand, about the value of the local agricultural and natural resources. Reina, in conjunction with other parents and in partnership with SHLT has designed and led hundreds of field trips and in-school programs on a wide range of ag and natural resource topics. She brings her passion for working with elementary and middle school students and the land to her role on SHLT’s board.

Reina currently serves as President of the South Hero Land Trust Board of Directors.