The Nature Consortium is a grassroots, community-based organization whose mission is to teach environmental lessons through the creative arts and hands-on conservation projects. We produce a Youth Art Program, an Urban Forest Restoration Project and the Arts~in~Nature Festival.

The Nature Consortium Board of Directors:

Keely Barthold -President
As a Seattle native I grew up camping and playing in our wonderful forests, mountains, lakes and rivers. In the last few years I realized I’ve become disconnected with the earth and the Nature Consortium crossed my path at just the right moment. How amazing to have this massive forest right in our city? And the more I learned about the organization while pulling ivy, digging blackberry, mulching, etc. the more I wanted to get involved. All aspects of the work we do appeal to me on so many levels. As a nanny I understand the importance of arts education and teaching the young to care for the earth. As a human I feel compelled to do my part to make it better for the young. I’m excited to be a part of this group!

Becca Fong – Secretary
As a professional gardener, avid plant nerd and restoration ecology enthusiast I enjoy being outside, letting the flora reveal the secrets of the natural world to me and the joy that comes from sharing that experience with others. I’ve found ways to do these things by teaching continuing education classes at South Seattle Community College, managing a resource website for all things restoration, and creating nature-inspired jewelry. I believe in a strong sense of community and am active in my West Seattle neighborhood, Highland Park, which is in the heart of the West Duwamish Greenbelt.  Working with the Nature Consortium has allowed me to channel my passion for nature, education, art and community into action.

Nedra Deadwyler–Board Member
Nedra joined the board after serving as Site Coordinator at Yesler Terrace.  Before moving to Seattle, she spent 10 years as a Social Worker in camps, schools, and non-profits in both Georgia and New York. She holds a Master of Social Work and interest in art includes artist books, painting, multi-media, and writing. She loves chocolate!

Rob LaRubbio - Board Member
It was in 2008 while I was working for an online retail company, when I realized how disconnected I had become.  Software development work can be sterile; driving to an office, sitting in a cubicle and communicating through email are all activities that segregate us from other people and our environments.  I lived in Seattle, but I wasn't a Seattleite.  It was then I decided that I wanted to get involved in my community, connect with my city, its land and its people.  I couldn't have found an organization more aligned with what I wanted and needed, and a better group of people to connect with.

Derek Ormerod - Board Member
I am an outdoors person who was drawn to the Northwest years ago by the beauty of this place and the friendly, easy-going nature of the people.  Since that time I’ve tromped all over the area and love the fact that right here in our fair city are a number of large forests where you can literally get lost in the middle of city.  I’m excited to be working with the Nature Consortium to help restore the largest urban forest in the City of Seattle.  I’m also excited to participate in the amazing arts program that incorporates environmental aspects at every turn, as it seems important to me that all kids are exposed to the great outdoors.  I also live down the block from the Nature C office and one of the main restoration sites and am happy to be helping out in the local community (and walk there while doing it!).