Karen Terwilliger is the new President of the VES Land Trust Board of Directors. Karen is joined by incoming Vice President Carl Nordstrom and incoming board members Susan Harris and Grayson Chesser.
At Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust (VES Land Trust) we have been planning for the year ahead with a new three year strategic plan and changes to the Board of Directors. The new strategic plan builds off the 2017-2019 Strategic Plan, emphasizing land protection, stewardship and outreach and acknowledging the difficult work of addressing changes in our landscape due to rising seas. The Board and staff are committed to offering field trips and outdoor experiences for students and community members and helping landowners identify best practices for a more resilient landscape.
While we are sad to say goodbye to past President, Ed Tankard and board members Tommy O’Connor and Cameron McIntyre, we are pleased to welcome Karen Terwilliger as President of the Board; Carl Nordstrom as Vice President; new member, Susan Harris; and returning member, Grayson Chesser. “The incoming board is excited to continue serving the Eastern Shore through strategic land conservation and community outreach,” stated Karen.
Karen is a wildlife biologist and has worked with a diversity of public and private sector clients across the country as a natural resource manager, strategic planner, facilitator and project coordinator for 30 years. “My personal and professional goal is to reconnect people with nature for positive change and stewardship of the precious natural world that surrounds and sustains us,” commented Karen.
In 2019, Karen received the Robert McDowell Award for conservation management excellence from the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The award honors career professionals who have significantly contributed to the advancement of fish and wildlife conservation in the Northeastern United States and eastern Canadian Provinces. She serves on the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries and has served on the VES Land Trust Board of Directors since 2012. Karen brings the same commitment and passion for wildlife to her work conserving land.
Karen is joined by Carl Nordstrom as Vice President. Carl has a background in landscape architecture and government administration. He worked for 27 years preserving valuable natural resources in New Jersey for the Division of Parks and Forestry and a local municipality. He served as the Executive Director for the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association following his retirement. Carl has served on the VES Land Trust Board since 2015. “One of the most important tasks each of us has during our brief stay here on earth is to protect the rich and diverse wonders of the world for future generations to come,” remarked Carl.
VES Land Trust also welcomes Susan Harris and Grayson Chesser to the Board. Susan Harris is a native Virginian. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Medical University of South Carolina, a Master's degree in Environmental Science from TCU, and is all but dissertation for her PhD in Science Education. Her careers have included work as a dental hygienist, the oil and gas industry, science field education, and YMCA programming. For the last 17 years, Susan worked at the university level with elementary education majors and classroom teacher professional development.
A decoy carver and collector since childhood, Grayson is known worldwide for his carvings and hunting guide service. He served as a Special Warden of the Virginia Game Commission for five years and worked the family farm until 1982. Grayson served on the Accomack County Board of Supervisors from 2007 - 2019 and was a founding member of Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore. He was awarded the 2009 Virginia Heritage Award, Honorary Chairman of the Harvey Grace Waterfowl Festival, Living Legend at the Easton Waterfowl Festival, carver of the year for six Ducks Unlimited Chapters. He is co-author of a book titled Making Decoys the Century Old Way and is a five-time exhibitor at the Smithsonian Institution. Grayson serves on the Board for the Barrier Islands Center. Grayson previously served on the VES Land Trust Board of Directors from 2007-2013. Born on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Grayson lives on his family farm in Jenkins Bridge. The farm is protected by a VES Land Trust conservation easement.
The Board of Directors is dedicated to conserving rural lands, which will best preserve the farms, forests, wetlands, waters, and heritage of the Eastern Shore for the benefit of future generations. They are a committed and generous group who truly love the land and people of the Eastern Shore. Please join us in welcoming our new and returning Board members.