Staff
Jim Bonesteel
Look for Jim:
Running the roads and trails of the Plateau. Visiting with landowners and supporters. Hiking, skiing, biking, swimming, and exploring with his family and friends.
A favorite place on the Plateau:
The hemlock swamp on Lt. Col. Gundrum land / Teal Pond Tract
Contact Jim:
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If you are interested in conserving your land or know of land that should be conserved
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With comments, questions or concerns that other staff are unable to address
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With questions about Planned Giving or Donations of Stock
"Conservation is the application of common sense to the common problems for the common good."
- Gifford Pinchot
Molly Freiberg
Community Engagement Manager
Look for Molly:
Cross-country skiing, walking, reading on the porch, being as close as possible to the ocean, enjoying the present moment in the forest, learning from all kinds of experts out in the field, getting-lost-but-not-too-lost
A favorite place on the Plateau:
I want people to know about the wetland on the Homestead Trail in Albert Family Community Forest.
You can stand at the edge of it in the cold, early spring and hear the first spring peepers of the season proclaiming the end of winter.
Contact Molly:
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If you want to figure out how you fit in with RPA and about our current community offerings
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If you would like to talk about possibilities for partnership on a project
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If you have an idea about how to solve a community problem through conservation or need help
with a community project -
If you are curious about Mindful Nature Walks or other nature-based health and self-care activities
"Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when
you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into
a sacred bond."
- Robin Wall Kimmerer
Scott Groffman
MSW Intern, Fall 2021-Spring 2022
Look for Scott:
Thinking about systems. Reading and writing. Spending time with family.
A favorite place on the Plateau:
The Cascades Trail at Albert Family Community Forest
Contact Scott:
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If you have thoughts about how the forests products industry might connect with RPA
" 'Let us leave this- did you say what you call it?"
'Hill?' suggested Pippin. 'Shelf? Step?' suggested Merry.
Treebeard repeated the words thoughtfully. 'Hill. Yes, that was it. But it is a hasty word for a thing that has stood here ever since this part of the world was shaped. Never mind. Let us leave it, and go.' "
-J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Bay Habshey
Forests Forever Campaign Manager
Look for Bay:
Slow-hiking in the woods of New York and Vermont, hunting waterfalls, identifying spider species, or attempting to build the perfect campfire
A favorite place on the Plateau:
The bridge overlooking Big Beaver Bog in the Poestenkill Community Forest
Contact Bay if you:
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Would like to learn more about the Forests Forever Campaign
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Need help finding information on membership or want to make a donation
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Have questions about upcoming events and workshops
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Want to learn more about your Community Forests
"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."
- Robert Swan
Annie Jacobs
Communications Director
Look for Annie:
Walking slowly through the forest, walking swiftly through the forest, riding her bike, swimming, climbing trees, farming and gardening
A favorite place on the Plateau:
It would have to be tied between Grafton Forest and the Poestenkill Community Forest's Big Beaver Bog!
Contact Annie if you:
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Have conservation stories to share
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Want to help with social media
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Would like to contribute photographs or articles to RPA's newsletters
"The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us,
the less taste we shall have for destruction."
- Rachel Carson
Celia Kutz
Rensselaer Youth Outdoors Coordinator
Look for Celia:
Kayaking at dusk, writing a song (they often come to me while hiking), cross-country skiing, making tea from plants in my garden, loving her friends and family, listening intently, letting time pass, starting out late and getting back after dark
A favorite place on the Plateau:
That big rock on the Ridge Trail at Barberville Falls, as the Poestenkill Creek meets up with the trail, right before the bridge. I love being able to see the creek flow in both directions. I can feel the pace of time change, knowing that those waters came from Dyken Pond and will travel through the Poestenkill Community Forest, Poesten Kill Bends and then South Troy and finally into the Hudson River.
Contact Celia if you:
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are a young person, parent, teacher or are affiliated in any way with a school district or organization that serves young people
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know that young people are amazing and you want to share what you know about the natural world
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believe that everyone has something to teach and that learning is giving and receiving
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live in an urban environment and want to figure out how to increase youth access to nature right there or further away
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live in a rural environment and want to support young people struggling with mental or physical health
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want to support an organization that respects and entrusts youth - RYO receives financial donations directly!
"Each one of us has some power that can be used, somewhere, somehow, to help save our Earth."
- Audre Lorde
Lisanny Manzueta Custodio
MSW Intern, Fall 2021-Spring 2022
Look for Lisanny:
Anywhere outdoors, but more specifically, somewhere on a high peak! I love the challenge of a difficult hike and feeling my energy while I tackle the obstacles on the way up. I have also grown to love running over the past couple of years, but I'm an absolute lover of a lazy day on the couch!
A favorite place on the Plateau:
TBD
Contact Lisanny if:
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You have an awesome idea about a project you would like to see come to fruition
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You want to talk about the Plateau!
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You want to learn more about Rensselaer Youth Outdoors (RYO)
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You want to be involved!
"The earth is what we all have in common."
-Wendell Berry
Dan Morse
Volunteer, Program, and Outreach Manager
Look for Dan:
Spending time in the woods, snowshoeing, and kayaking
A favorite place on the Plateau:
The hemlock swamp at Poestenkill Community Forest
Contact Dan to learn more about:
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Volunteering with RPA
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RPA programs and outings
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Building connections between RPA and your organization or business
"When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect."
- Aldo Leopold