In 2021, we welcomed some fresh faces to Placer Land Trust, and said fond farewells to a few longtime friends as they moved on to new things.
Sarah Darney was the first staff member a person meets when they call or come into the Placer Land Trust office for the past 9+ years. In June, we wished Sarah “happy trails” as she moved on to follow a wonderful family opportunity. During her time at Placer Land Trust, Sarah was instrumental in our fundraising campaigns and events, managed our database, led our accreditation process, kept track of donations, and made our members feel appreciated as the friendly voice on the office phone. And with Land Manager Jim McBride, she planned and organized PLT’s favorite event, the Pie Party!
At the end of June 2021, we said goodbye to Board Member John Marin as he prepared to make the move to Sonoma County. John joined the Board of Directors in December 2015 and was a great addition to the team. His 30-year career with Placer County provided great experience and insight into many of Placer Land Trust’s projects. John started his career with the County in the Planning Department as an architect in 1979 and went on to manage multiple departments including the Community Development Resource Agency. In his last position, he was the Placer County Board of Supervisor’s Administrative Officer. When John left his career with Placer County he said, “One of my goals is never to retire. I want to leave a legacy of open space both improved and in a native state for future generations throughout California.” Although we were sad to see John go, we are sure he will be continuing his conservation efforts in his new home in Sonoma County!
In July, we welcomed Maggie Tides as the newest member of our Board of Directors. Maggie is an attorney with Sher Edling LLP, a law firm specializing in environmental litigation on behalf of public entities across the country. She’s also a talented artist and graphic designer.
“Placer County is incredibly rich in natural resources, from the American River to oak woodlands to rice fields,” says Maggie. “In joining the Placer Land Trust team, I hope to share my love of these beautiful places and inspire others to enjoy and protect them, too.”
Summer saw the arrival of our new Membership Specialist, Elia Rivas. A Placer native with a background in Environmental Studies and Sociology, Elia combines her love of the natural world with her love of people, and her desire to strengthen the connection between the two. She is excited to share our mission with our community, strengthen relationships with our members, and ensure that people from all different backgrounds feel welcome on the land we protect together.
We also welcomed our new Office Manager, Heather Harden. Her background includes a decade as Office Manager as well as experience a writer at the Modesto Bee and as a freelancer. Heather has long followed our progress and signed up as a volunteer during the pandemic. She enjoys time on trails in Auburn and is looking forward to joining the team and contributing to Placer Land Trust’s mission.
In September, we were delighted that Achini Bandara joined our Board of Directors! Achini serves as Development Director for Sierra Nevada Journeys, a nonprofit based in Northern Nevada and California that delivers outdoor, science-based education programs for youth. Prior to her career in education and environmental advocacy, Achini held Project Management and Project Development Scientist positions at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine and the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“I’ve been awed by the landscape of Placer County since I first visited the area and have been following the work of Placer Land Trust since moving to Auburn a few years ago,” says Achini. “So, I am thrilled to join the dedicated team at PLT and support the continuation of these critical conservation and education projects that are becoming more and more important each year.”
Placer Land Trust said farewell to Board Member Amy Eubank at the very end of 2021. Amy joined the Board in January 2019, and brought her diverse experience in philanthropy, public policy, and building community relationships. She served as Program Manager for American Leadership Forum, Mountain Valley Chapter, and before that she worked at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, focusing on grantmaking, community engagement, and program oversight. Amy had to resign from the Board due to increasing conflicts with outside obligations but plans to keep supporting PLT however she can. Amy was instrumental in gathering support from the community and it was Amy’s influence brought our newest Board Member Achini Bandara to PLT.
Through her work, Amy’s love and respect for the environment always shows through. “Growing up in the foothills and running barefoot through them as a kid are some of my favorite childhood memories, and that is without a doubt what fuels my passion for preserving open space. What I want for future generations is to have the opportunity to experience the sense of awe, freedom, and adventure that being in the outdoors can provide.” We know that passion will live on long after Amy’s time on the Board.
And at the end of the year, we also said goodbye to one of our team members whose shoes will be incredibly difficult to fill — our Conservation Director Lynnette Batt. Lynnette joined the Placer Land Trust team as our first Conservation Director back in 2017. This new position, along with Lynnette’s contributions, enabled us to nearly double our capacity to protect land, and increase our level of management, enhancement, and restoration of lands in our care. Lynnette applied strategic thought, professional focus, and efficiency to improve land acquisition projects and conservation oversight and streamlined many of our land management processes. She also stewarded collaborations and relationships with landowners and within the larger land conservation community.
Although we’re sad to see her go, Lynnette is leaving us for a good reason — to return to her roots in New England to be closer to family and to take a new position as Project Manager with the Trust for Public Land (we teased her that TPL is pretty darn close to PLT).
“I am tremendously grateful for having been a part of this awesome PLT team and having the chance to advance our mission over the last 4.5 years,” says Lynnette. “I have learned so much and I am so impressed with all we have accomplished together.”
Lynnette, your skills, hard work, big heart, and sense of humor will be missed. New England is lucky to have you back!