By Lovina Englund, Executive Director
Lovina, next to a beautifully crafted PLT bench along Judy’s Trail.
I want to take a moment to reflect back five years ago to 2018 – and some lessons learned along the way. Five years ago I got the news – like many of you – that Amy Trujillo, PLT’s beloved Executive Director, had taken another job out of the community. My first immediate thought was “well, I won’t know Palouse Land Trust without Amy.” Then a feeling crept in, a realization that “whoa, that’s my dream job!” It took some deep reflection and lots of encouragement from friends and mentors, like Jim Heidelberger and Ed Krumpe who knew the land trust well, but I mustered up the courage to throw my hat into the applicant pool. Thanks you two. These past five years have not only flown by but also blown me away. I am here before you today, exhilarated, humbled and grateful.
Helen Stage (left) and Lovina at the Palouse Prairie Field Tour, 2022
Being with the Palouse Land Trust these past five years has been transformational. My leadership journey has been fraught with peaks and valleys, but I suspect I’m not the only one that feels that way as a new ED. I came into my position with a lot of gusto – translated; I didn’t know what the heck I was getting into exactly but I was stoked about it. How fortunate I was to have a Wendy. Everyone who’s a new ED needs a Wendy.
You may be saying to yourself, “who is this magical Wendy you speak of?” One of the best decisions Palouse Land Trust ever made was to become accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. The Alliance exists to make land trusts flourish. Wendy is the former Western Director of the Land Trust Alliance. Before she retired, one of the key roles of her position was to provide local land trusts a bridge to resources so that they may exist as thriving, high functioning organizations. Right out of the chute, instead of floundering around trying to figure out how to be effective as a new leader of a small land trust, Wendy scooped me under her wing and gave the boost of support that launched me into orbit. Lesson one learned: professional development and leadership coaching is the key to success.
PLT Board of Directors, 2021 Board Retreat
Besides the wonderful Wendy and the circle of land trust leaders and practitioners from across the country I can turn to and lean on when I find myself scratching my head about something, the outstanding leaders on the land trust board of directors have been my biggest champions and a delight to work alongside. The respect I have for these incredible volunteers is enormous. Over the past five years I’ve been enriched by their passion, schooled by their talents, and charmed by their friendship. Sometimes when I boast of how high-functioning our leadership is, I sense from others how truly rare it is to be able to say that. Lesson two learned: surround yourself with passionate leaders who care deeply about the future of their community.
Of the many professional paths my life could have taken, I don’t think there is anything more rewarding than making tangible strides to create a healthier planet. But it’s not just about the number of projects completed or the acres protected, it’s about the stories from the land and the personal relationships along the way. I have the great pleasure of being a connector – someone who is more or less a hub to uplift and contribute to the vision of others. I find great joy in it.
Ribbon cutting on the new Penstemon Path, June 2023
Whether talking to a donor about anchoring their passion to a conservation outcome, or sitting at a kitchen table with a landowner who gets emotional talking about their love of land, or taking a meeting with a colleague who has resources and technical expertise to achieve mutual goals, finding creative solutions takes time, relationships, and trust. Lesson three learned: how we build and leverage our connections ultimately determines our ability to influence outcomes.
No reflection of mine could be complete without a nod to my team. Some of you who will read this know me well, and know that I genuinely love people and the natural world. In the past five years, my army of friends and my family have been my most dedicated cheer squad, bolstering my stride every step of the way. All of you – my community and those who stand behind the mission of the land trust – are truly the wind at my back that sustains me day after day.
Making our corner of the world cleaner and brighter, one conservation easement - and one highway cleanup - at a time!
But to hone in a little closer to my day to day, I have to say that there is something to be said about coming to an office where the nexus of collaboration and “fire in the belly” creates an energetic force that is gaining ground on our mission every single day. The culture of the Palouse Land Trust team is one that is driven by purpose and passion. I’m sure you’ve noticed. Anyone who reads Jaime’s monthly enews or has come to one of our events can feel it. What fun it is to be on a team that is a force for good in the world and a magnet for awesome people. Lesson four learned: find a job where your talents and aspirations align and genuinely invest in building quality relationships for sustained success.
Thank you for taking time to reflect with me. Thank you for supporting the land trust mission. Five years has come and gone more quickly than I could have imagined. I’m delighted to continue on this journey for many more years to come.
Email Lovina to share your reflections on the last 5 years here.