Letter from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I find the stillness of winter lends itself to being a perfect time for reflection and planning. As I reflect on the work of HeadWaters, I find myself thinking about why I was drawn to conservation work. It began with a fascination to understand how ecosystems function. The beauty of how all the components exist in balance with each other, thereby allowing the system to thrive. Even altering something which seems small and insignificant can have a huge, sometimes disastrous, impact. To me, ecosystems with their possibility of millions of living organisms within them feel huge and powerful.

We all have monumental power. Each one of us has the ability to cultivate life. Planting a single tree, something that can seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, can provide a home for thousands of living species, including bacteria, algae, fungi, lichens, invertebrates, wildlife, and plant life. If a single tree can create habitat for thousands of organisms, think about the vast number of living species impacted across 1 acre of land. Like years past, HeadWaters will have many opportunities to expand our work this year. In preparation, we have increased our staff so we will be able to make the most of these opportunities. In the months ahead, we will be installing new trails, increasing our habitat management efforts, and utilizing our preserves to meet the needs of our community. Our focus on land preservation through CEs will be guided by creating habitat corridors, protecting fragile ecosystems, and educating landowners about the importance of private land management while also helping them connect to resources to implement management plans.

The work we do, protecting our natural areas one acre at a time, is important and meaningful. Each acre conserved is a success story. Together we are leaving our mark across the landscape and creating a legacy. How spectacular!