Our Team
Protecting wild & working lands in Southern Wisconsin.
Photo: Blooming black-eyed susans at an SWLC restoration site.
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Aryn grew up in rural Wisconsin being taught to appreciate nature. Since then she has dedicated her life to protecting the environment. From teaching environmental education to working hands on with farmers in sustainable ag and renewable energy production she strives to leave the world a greener place. Outside of work Aryn spends her free time coaching a national baton twirling team, tackling home renovation projects, or snuggling with her cats. Aryn has a BS in Environmental Science and an MS in Environmental Conservation.
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A nature enthusiast with a deep love for the outdoors, Sandy honed her conservation ethos growing up on a family farm. Her conservation journey has led her through various roles in non-profit organizations like Humans and Nature, Libertyville Land Conservancy and Three Waters Reserve. Outside of work, she enjoys horseback riding and capturing the beauty of the natural world through photography.
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A true jack-of-all-trades, Paul possesses the remarkable ability to fix just about anything, a skill that has proven invaluable in his role as a vital contributor to land management tasks at SWLC restoration sites. For the majority of his life, Paul dedicated his talents as an independent contractor and farm manager, gaining a wealth of experience in shaping and nurturing the built environment.
Board of Directors
Steven Apfelbaum
PRESIDENT
Steve’s career in ecology spans over four decades, with a primary focus on ecological restoration and soil carbon research. He earned his MS Degree in Ecological and Biological Sciences from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and has been a scientist in hundreds of field ecological projects and data analysis projects across North American. Steve's extensive body of work includes technical studies, reports, and restoration initiatives. He's also a sought-after speaker and author, with books like "Restoring Ecological Health to Your Land" and "Nature's Second Chance" receiving critical acclaim.
Richard Tripp
VICE PRESIDENT
Originally from Massachusetts, Richard holds an MS from the University of Wisconsin and a BS from University of Massachusetts – both in food processing with an emphasis in dairy. Upon graduation, Richard took a position with Kraft Foods in Glenview, IL, where he would spend the majority of his career. It was on hikes with a favorite professor during grad school where his passion for conservation crystallized, which continued throughout raising a family with his wife, Meredith. After retirement, he and Meredith bought a popup camper – spending several years exploring and deepening their passion for conservation across 48 states and Canada.
Susan Lehnhardt
SECRETARY
Susan grew up in the rural Midwest, following a path from her native Iowa to the forests and prairies of Wisconsin. Her passion for the natural world and our human connection inspired a career in botany and ecology. As a consultant with Applied Ecological Services for nearly 30 years, she and beloved colleagues worked to restore damaged ecosystems around the world. Susan holds a B.A in Applied Arts from Iowa State University and a B.S. in Botany from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Susan devotes time to not-for-profit conservation organizations, along with other volunteers, dedicated to conservation and protection of land and water, and to inspiring the next generation of botanists and ecologists.
Meredith Tripp
Treasurer
One of SWLC’s founding members, Meredith grew up in North Carolina. It was her PhD in Pharmaceutical Organic Pharmacy from UW-Madison that would bring her to call Southern Wisconsin home. Throughout her career, Meredith held various roles, from pharmacist to research scientist, and even found time to raise two kids. Her retirement ushered in a new chapter of exploration, where she and her husband discovered the joys of travel and conservation. Her impact extends far beyond her personal adventures. As a dedicated member of the SWLC, she played a pivotal role in the creation of Three Waters Reserve, a testament to her passion for preserving the environment and fostering a legacy of education and inspiration for future generations.
Meghan LaPointe
Board Member
Having grown up along the Mississippi River in Crawford County, Meg developed an appreciation for the river valley and surrounding bluffs at an early age. Her love of nature expanded over the years as she volunteered and worked seasonal positions for environmental conservation organizations. After over a decade of gaining field experience while juggling day jobs in various industries, Meg completed her MS in Environmental Conservation at UW-Madison. She now works full-time as the Milwaukee Program Coordinator for The Conservation Fund where she implements two flood prevention programs by way of land acquisition and conservation easements. In her free time, Meg enjoys long hikes, birding, and reading.
Grace Burns
Board Member
Grace was born in the Philippines and adopted by an American engineer, who inspired her to pursue a career in engineering and design. Grace’s engineering background, and her experience raising a child with multiple disabilities, have had a profound impact on her personal guiding principles and the way she approaches challenges. Grace’s mission is to create an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, is included. Her vision is to leave a legacy which illustrates that everyone has a purpose, and her values are to foster love and respect for all through education and experiences. Grace earned an Associates Degree in Applied Science and Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh County Community College.
Lea Daly
Board Member
Lea grew up running around barefoot on a family farm in northern Illinois. When she moved to Madison for school, she thought for sure she wanted to be an engineer and get out of the country. She quickly found out that nothing matters more to her than the environment! Ultimately she graduated with a degree in Botany and a certificate in Environmental Science from UW-Madison where her appreciation for natural spaces grew. Her experience with farmers coupled with her love of the outdoors drives her to find ways to preserve undeveloped land and aid landowners who aim to improve their own stewardship. She loves traveling, hiking, and learning new things whenever she finds time.
Zack Kooi
Board Member
Zack grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. After getting his associates degree in mechanical design, he moved to Wisconsin and took a job designing control buildings for the renewable energy industry. Wisconsin life has been great on Zack. It has helped to grow and fuel his passion for horticulture and regenerate farming. Any free second he has is spent working on his house plant collection, home garden, and hydroponics. He enjoys studying about different gardening practices and applying what he learns.