January 2026
By Kat Resanovich, Volunteer Coordinator & Educator
Our annual meeting in January is always an exciting time for us to look back at the work we’ve accomplished in the past year as an organization, and share some of our plans for the coming year. It’s also when we elect new Board members and say goodbye (for now!) and thank you to our outgoing Board members.
Baltimore Woods Board Members have an immeasurable impact on the organization, staff, and nature preserve. While much of their work is ‘behind the scenes,’ they each share time, expertise, and passion that helps to navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and move our mission forward. The Board of Directors operates not only as a guiding governing body for the nonprofit, but also as a team. We are exceptionally fortunate to have such a dedicated group that really believes in the mission of Baltimore Woods and are willing to give so much of themselves personally and professionally to help the organization succeed and grow.
This year we welcome an exciting roster of new Board members that each bring unique expertise and ideas. Read more about our new board members here! At the same time, we have the bittersweet job of saying thank you to outgoing Board members that have finished their terms. This month we celebrate the service and contributions of four outgoing Board Members: Paula Conan, Amanda Loiodice, Anneke McEvoy, and
Gary Germain. Each of these Board members gave of their time to make annual fundraisers a success, answer the phone when a staff member had a question or needed support, and served on committees that strengthened our nonprofit.
Gary and Amanda were on the Executive Committee, Paula chaired the Nominating Committee and served on Stewardship Committee, Gary also served on the Finance Committee, and Anneke helped create the Nature Education Advocacy Committee. Each individual also contributed in numerous other ways that leveraged their different experiences and expertise, helped expand the organization’s networks and opportunities, and helped us grow as an organization; sometimes literally with 160 new acres added to the preserve during their tenure. We are also grateful to Amanda for helping Baltimore Woods apply for a PPP loan support during the COVID pandemic, ensuring that we didn’t have to lay off any staff and could transition to doing virtual programming. Thank you to Gary and Paula who spearheaded revision of the organization’s bylaws, and helped navigate the logistics of a new property donation; And to Anneke for promoting the Baltimore Woods Nature in the City program and helping host the “Toast to The Woods” trail opening celebration in 2024..
Each of these individuals found their own personal ways to contribute above and beyond a job title or committee name. Across their current and past terms, these four outgoing Board Members have contributed over 30 years of Board service to Baltimore Woods – and we are all better because of it. Thank you to these amazing Board members who truly made an impact on so many staff, volunteers, and visitors at Baltimore Woods! Another reason we are grateful for our Board members is that even after they end their terms, they always find ways to stay connected with us through volunteering, programs, and more.
If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved with our Board of Directors, we have committees that you can join. There are opportunities to get involved in these committees even if you don’t have the capacity to become a Board member. Special events like our annual native plant sale are planned by committees. This year we also have a new 60th Anniversary Committee to help plan events to celebrate our anniversary. You can contact [email protected] if you’re interested in learning more about our Board committees.