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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: |
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Sandra O'Connor –President
After years as an entrepreneur and business owner, I finally got to retire and devote some time to things that really matter to me; my son, giving to the community, traveling, being outdoors and working for environmental causes. I’m an active communitarian, living in co-housing with my 4 year old son. We spend a lot of time in Spanish speaking countries, both hoping to be fluent some day! One of the many reasons I chose to work with The Nature Consortium is their work in forest restoration of the Duwamish Greenbelt, which is practically in my backyard. |
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Judy Cashman – Vice President
5 years board member; 9+ volunteering with the Nature Consortium. I have nothing but the utmost enthusiasm and respect for this group - it's the reason I have stayed with it so long! I am a nurse, currently working in the UW's Dept. of Environmental Health & Safety. It feels so good to be a part of something that is making an impact, not only on our Duwamish greenbelt & forest restoration, but also touching the lives of kids in our community, and harnessing the talent of our local artists! Please note: the excellent Annual Arts-in-Nature + Music fest (that started the whole thing rolling in 1998!) is a must-experience event in mid-August! I hope I see you there!
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Meg Ludlum – Treasurer
I retired in 2001 from a 23-year career at the City of Seattle and Public Utilities Departments, when I was responsible for rate setting and economic aspects of long range planning for 15 years. After that, I managed the accounting sections for both Water and Public Utilities, which included standardizing all accounting practices for the four agencies that had been merged to create the public utilities department. Since my retirement, besides spending almost half of each week with my grandchildren, I’ve served as treasurer for three non-governmental organizations. I’ve enjoyed bringing my knowledge of different financial perspectives to these non-profits, including The Nature Consortium. I’m a graduate of Cornell University and hold a Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University.
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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.
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Darryl Eng - Board Member
Joined the NC fall of 2006. During an innocent serendipitous office visit at the Youngstown open house, he discovered the great work they do with kids, teaching art and forest stewardship. By teaching children art and a respect for the environment, they’re learning a deep respect for the humanities and natural sciences. This resonated well with Darryl as he’s been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for over 34 years. Darryl works as a commercial/residential real estate agent, has a degree in Architecture from the U of W, owned a Gelateria, 2 espresso bars, a clothing company and grew up in a family owned grocery store on Capital Hill. He attended St. Joseph’s, Seattle Prep, Seattle U, U of W and enjoys a myriad of outdoor activities from windsurfing, mountaineering, diving and waterskiing to name a few.
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Matthew Snyder– Board Member
On a random visit to the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in 2006 I picked up and read a pamphlet outside the Nature Consortium office and felt compelled to help the organization in any way I could. My passion for the outdoors and background in elementary education inspired me to nominate the NC for a grant through REI in spring 2007. As a PEAK (Promoting Environmental Education in Kids) presenter I have instructed dozens of youth groups around the Puget Sound on how to be better stewards to the environment and the seven principles of Leave No Trace. I have a wide array of creative outlets that range from mixing music on my turntables to water color painting to gourmet cooking in the backcountry to fly-fishing. My wife and I currently manage a 30 unit apartment building near Green Lake and enjoy spending time with family. I look forward to completing my K-8 teaching certification this spring and looking for a classroom to teach in this fall. |
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Keely Barthold - Board Member
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!
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4408
Delridge Way SW Suite #107 | Seattle, WA 98106 | info@naturec.org | 206.923.0853
Located in the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center |
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