With the warmer skies and spring temperatures on the way, the Battenkill Conservancy (“BkC”), a not-for-profit land trust that works within New York and Vermont’s Battenkill watershed, has announced some exciting hellos and some bittersweet goodbyes.
In January, the organization lost its long time BkC Board Chair, Stuart Bartow, who passed away after a relatively brief battle with cancer. His dedication to BkC’s mission coupled with his talents as a writer, poet and avid fly fisherman helped guide the organization’s work for over 18 years. A memorial tree planting and a scholarship announcement will take place later this spring.
Simultaneously the BkC Board in conjunction with Lorraine Merghart Ballard, its first Executive Director, was working to secure her replacement. In 2016 with assistance from the NYS Conservation Partnership Program, Ballard was appointed BkC’s first Executive Director. During her tenure, she helped revitalize the organization with popular river related events, increased the public’s river access through the Battenkill Corridor Connections Project and used a simple “Picky Bugs Exhibit” containing macroinvertebrates to demonstrate the importance of cold, clean water and a healthy watershed. She promoted the Battenkill as one of the area’s most important recreational, cultural, historical and environmental assets. Advocating for “Clean Water & Open Space for All” became the organization’s motto during her tenure. She will continue to stay involved and act as Board Chair to help with the transition.
Last month, Cambridge resident and former research chemist and science teacher, Beth O’Grady was appointed as BkC’s new Director. As a former board member (2020 – 2022) and an active volunteer, O’Grady hits the ground running. She has participated in a number of key projects including BkC’s five-year Strategic Plan and the Land Management Plans for the three Preserves. Her love of education and science helped bring BkC’s Picky Bugs program of educating children about macroinvertebrates into the Cambridge Central School. Beth has plans to utilize her community activities and involvement with other NFP organizations to further connect and promote BkC’s mission. Her focus will be watershed and habitat conservation, community education, and organizational sustainability.
In conjunction with the changes at the staffing level, BkC has announced changes to the Board. After dedicating over 10 years as an active Board Member and volunteer, Jim Ballard stepped down in December, 2023. He joined the Board at a pivotal time and was the creative force behind the Battenkill Runs Through It Festival. He was also instrumental in guiding and executing the stewardship and land management efforts at BkC’s Schmidt Meadow Preserve & Rexleigh Marble Mill.
In February, BkC welcomed three new Board Members; Deb Vincent Evans, Melissa Skellie and Kimberly Neilson. Last summer, Evans, of Troy, served as the Assistant Program Director of BkC’s Discover Your Battenkill Program.
Melissa Skellie, a retired elementary school teacher lives in Coila. She has lived in the area since joining her husband and assisting with the operation of their 7th generation dairy farm.
BkC’s third board member to join in February was Kimberly Neilson, who now calls East Greenwich her home. Originally from Queens, she is a 25-year veteran of the Life Insurance industry and works in Product Development for Prudential Life Insurance Company. .
Throughout the years BkC has offered a robust calendar of fun, river related events, topical annual speakers and advocated for public access to the Battenkill for all. Their mission of preserving and enhancing the Battenkill watershed will continue with O’Grady as Director and a stronger board with new members.