One of our newest YP Board members, Mark Woloszyn has journeyed from the hills of North Carolina to the streets of New York City, with many stops in between.  We are excited to learn more about what inspires his work for The Nature Conservancy. 

What drew you to the YPG?
There was a great article in the paper about how The Nature Conservancy was working with Trusts and Estates to preserve undeveloped land held by wealthy people. I thought this was an area where I could both use my professional background to help a good cause and learn something in the process.  I had a meeting with E.J. McAdams, an Associate Director of Philanthropy at The Nature Conservancy, about volunteer opportunities and he introduced me to the YPG.

How and why did you first become passionate about environmental issues?
My parents went on many trips to state parks in North Carolina. We were also fairly progressive in embracing organic foods and more sustainable living practices. As a result, I grew up with an awareness of environmental issues.  It wasn’t until college that I learned just how dire the situation was in other, less developed parts of the world. That drove me to become more actively involved, particularly with The Nature Conservancy.

What do you do for the environment in your everyday life?
I walk up the 8 flights of stairs to my apartment, rather than taking the elevator. I also now opt for 100% wind energy in my apartment from ConEd Solutions.

What direction do you see for the YPG?
I see the YPG becoming a model for other non-profits (or even other Nature Conservancy chapters) that may be looking to have a very active, excited, but younger member base that can be a source for future leaders.  Our rapid growth may also allow us to have some say on the state level of The Nature Conservancy.

What do you do for fun?
The YPG helped me re-discover hiking last year and that has moved quickly up the ladder of my favorite activities. Also, when I’m not busy catching up with friends in the city, few things make me happier than an interesting book or an episode of Charlie Rose.

Mark shows a great commitment to a green way of living and an understanding of conservation as a means to environmental and economic stability.  He has also demonstrated a passion and a dedication to the Young Professionals work. We look forward to all that he will bring to the YP Board!

The Young Professionals Board would like to welcome Serena Chen, Mark Woloszyn and Wendy Yu as our newest YP Board Members!

Get Involved!
 
By becoming a member of the YPG, you will not only be supporting the work of The Nature Conservancy, but will also receive special access to members-only activities and be invited to become a YP Committee member.

YP Committees in the areas of Conservation, Events, Development, and Membership & Media are directly involved in helping to plan our events and to expand our efforts. They are not only a great way to get involved, but can also help determine whether a position as a YP Board Member might be the next step.

For more information about the Real Estate Group and the Real Estate Group Steering Committee, please contact Joel Papo.

For more information on the YPG or how to join, please visit our website or contact us.

And don't forget about The Conservancy's new blog!
Cool Green Science

Not a member? Support The Nature Conservancy and join the Young Professionals Group

Thank you for attending our 2009 Benefit, Festa Brasileira!

The evening brought together more than 400 young professionals to enjoy an evening of drinks, hors d'oeuvres, music and bidding on fantastic auction items.

Your participation enabled us to raise over $82,000! All the proceeds from the evening will support The Nature Conservancy's reforestation efforts in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, where we and our partners are working to plant one billion trees.

To view photos from the benefit, please visit Manhattan Society's website.

If you attended the event, help us to improve next year's Benefit by completing a brief online survey!

Happy Earth Day!

Celebrate Earth Day with The Nature Conservancy!

Just because you're in New York City doesn't mean you can't get outside. Visit The Conservancy's Preserve map to plan a visit outdoors for this Earth Day!

Calculate your carbon footprint and see what you can do to reduce it.

Saturday May 9, 2009
8:30 a.m.
Loeb Boathouse, Central Park

It was a long winter but here’s something to be optimistic about: Spring Migration!
Join the Young Professionals Group for a birding tour of Central Park led by our very own Board Member, Dave Nicola. Binoculars and bird books can be provided! Click here for more information.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 29^th

May 30-31, 2009
Departure: Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
Return: Sunday, 5:00 p.m.

Did you know that The Nature Conservancy’s Mashomack Preserve protects one-third of Shelter Island for future generations?  Join other YPs for a two day visit to see first-hand the work being done to preserve and maintain this freshwater wetland.  Weekend activities include a guided tour of the preserve, clamming, shore demonstrations by Conservancy staff, and our traditional lobster dinner on Saturday night.

Cost: $150 per person

Space is extremely limited.  This trip is open only to YP members (to join, please download a membership form here).  Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, and full payment* must be received in order to confirm your attendance. Click here for more information or email us to RSVP.

*The trip cost does not include transportation, which will be organized once all attendees have been confirmed.

Design for a Living World

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Design for a Living World is a unique exhibition that explores our connection to the natural world through sustainable materials, products, and design, debuting at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.

The Nature Conservancy invited ten visionary designers to develop new products from naturally grown and harvested materials.

Each object tells a unique story about the lifecycle of materials, the regions from which they were sourced, and the power of consumers to reshape our economy and renew our relationship with planet Earth.

The Nature Conservancy is hosting a special reception with all 10 designers to preview the exhibition before it opens to the public, and you're invited! Contact us to learn more about this event!