Board of Directors

Woodlands Conservancy is governed by a group of community volunteers. Board meetings are held monthly on the second Tuesday of the month.  If you are interested in serving on the board or a committee, please complete the Board Member Application and send it along with your resume to info@woodlandsconservancy.org.  See the article below for a glimpse of what motivates board members to serve.

2024 Board of Directors

Lee Dupont – President

Calvin Klotz, Vice President

Jonathan Olson, Secretary

Thomas Klotz, Treasurer

Hunter Curtis

Guy Davis

Elizabeth Larose

Ashley Weber

Are you passionate about nature, wildlife and preserving land for future generations? Are you ready to take that passion to the next level by giving your time, talent and treasures by serving as a board member of Woodlands Conservancy. Watch this brief video to learn more.

Pictured at a fundraising event at English Turn are current Board Member, Dan Dreiling and past Board Members (Katie Rosenblum, Bob Lemon, Bev Dreiling, Jan Rice and Brian Butz)

“Working as a teacher in the Belle Chasse schools, the trails provided a living science laboratory for my classes. Young students observed animals in their native environment, tested the water and published the results on a worldwide site, as well as identified and researched invasive species and storm protection. This work developed and instilled the heart of a conservator in these kids. Joining the board gave me the opportunity to share the importance of education as this sanctuary developed from “a Park and Trails” to the Conservancy it is today. ” – Jan Rice

“I chose to serve on the Board because I frequently use the Woodlands Trails to walk my golden retriever. I enjoy nature and I enjoy hiking in a forest so close to my home in English Turn.” – Bob Lemon

“When I first became aware of The Woodlands Conservancy I learned it had multiple missions in addition to promoting the outdoors with a unique hiking trail in a hardwood forest. One of the missions was the preservation of wildlife and migratory bird habitat. This had great appeal to me as I was keenly aware that urban development was slowly reducing the necessary habitat and I wanted to get involved and assist an organization that was addressing this problem.” – Dan Dreiling

“I chose to be on the Board because I believed in the conservancy of the bottom lands for the birds and wildlife that lived there as well as the protection the wooded area gave New Orleans from storms and hurricanes. Along with all the good things the Conservancy does, it provides a great learning experience for our children.” – Bev Dreiling

“Before 2012, I knew that Woodlands Conservancy provided hiking and equestrian trails. What I didn’t know was that the forests managed by Woodlands Conservancy provide critical hurricane protection for our region and particularly for English Turn. At a presentation, I was astounded to learn that Katrina destroyed 80% of the tree canopy in the 630-acre Woodlands Trail forest that borders English Turn. Clearly, the forest had served as both a protective natural wind break and a natural sponge to absorb the tremendous amount of rain associated with the storm.

In the immediate aftermath of the storm, invasive tree species grew aggressively and threatened not only the re-growth of native tree species but also the habitat of numerous migratory and resident bird species as well as wildlife. Woodlands Conservancy embarked on a well-documented, science-driven plan to eradicate the invasive tree species and re-populate the forest with native trees, which also re-established healthy habitats for birds and wildlife. Over the last 12 years, 350 acres have been restored and work continues to restore the rest of the forest. It has been a privilege to support the ongoing work to re-establish the forest that helps to protect our homes and the communities of metropolitan New Orleans.” – Katie Rosenblum