Staff & Board

Lynette Anderson: Interpretive Naturalist/Restoration Specialist
lynette.anderson@belwin.org
I am involved with both programming and land management at Belwin. I enjoy creating walks and talks that showcase the great work we are doing to restore native habitat for all the critters and plants. I also get to be involved with the work that creates the habitat, which I love! Each day holds something different for me. Some days I am working with my body on the land, some days I am doing reconnaissance for a program, some days I am working with volunteers, and some days, nights or evenings I get to lead a group to some amazing phenological event happening on Belwin property. I feel blessed to be able to work here.

Katie Bloome: Executive Director
katie.bloome@belwin.org
651-435-0848
I love connections — the human connections we form when we find something in common, and the ecological interconnectedness we see in nature. My role at Belwin spans both, and my favorite days are when I give tours, take donors on buggy rides, or walk our trails with supporters. I have a background in nonprofit leadership, environmental education, and fundraising, most recently coming from Minnesota Public Radio. My love for prairie and savanna started while studying biology at Grinnell College, in Iowa, and I am so happy to be once again surrounded by these rare and beautiful ecosystems. I find my greatest enjoyment exploring the outdoors and canoeing with my husband and two kids.

Paloma Cardoza: Land and Program Assistant
paloma.cardoza@belwin.org
When I was a child, I believed I could connect with nature on a spiritual level. As an adult, I feel the need to take care of plants and animals so they survive long after I am gone. I am grateful to be able to fulfill this dream and put my degree in Conservation Biology to use at Belwin. Working on the land — whether hand pulling terrestrial invasives, being involved with controlled burns, harvesting seed from wild prairie flowers, or building bird habitat — I feel that my efforts will have positive impacts for generations to come. As a program assistant, I get to create content for our social media pages, connecting the work we do with the community, in hopes that others will see the beauty of Belwin and the importance of our work.

Angie Eckel: Development Director
angie.eckel@belwin.org
651-435-0687
I manage fundraising activities at Belwin, which means I’m behind many of Belwin’s communications and grant writing efforts, and I love getting to know and learn from Belwin’s supporters. I grew up on a farm in Iowa, where I acquired a deep and lasting love for the land. Now that I’m at Belwin, one of my favorite things is learning more about Minnesota’s native plant communities. I came to Belwin most recently from Minnesota Public Radio, but also have years of experience managing arts organizations, and am a classical singer by trade. I find Belwin’s beauty endlessly inspiring and take particular joy in exploring it with my husband and our two little boys.

Susan Haugh: Program Director
susan.haugh@belwin.org
651-425-1147
I am a creator and activist, composer and collaborator. Weaving these passions together, I’ve supported the LGBTQIA+ community through two performance-based organizations, Dreams of Hope and Renaissance City Choir, both in Pittsburgh. I moved to Minnesota for love and was blown away by Belwin Conservancy’s beauty and dedication to healthy ecologies. At Belwin, I bring my passion for arts and culture together with my love of nature to support the health of the planet for generations to come.

Meredith Junker: Operations Associate
meredith.junker@belwin.org
Growing up I was passionate about wildlife conservation. Pursuing a degree in Field Research Biology quickly emphasized the importance of habitat in supporting life. This is why the wild spaces at Belwin are so critical, first as habitat but also for providing opportunity for children and adults to explore, have adventures, and learn. Now my responsibilities with Belwin’s office operations and ongoing projects allow me to wear a lot of hats while continually expanding my knowledge about natural resources and ecology.

Martin McGough: Land Specialist
martin.mcgough@belwin.org
I love the outdoors and working with my body.  My job at Belwin is mainly restoring land to healthy ecosystems and maintaining that land. I am so thankful that it is protected forever for the thousands of species who live here. I also love that I can see my work. The oak savanna at the Creative Center is a great example — it’s beautiful and healthy! I am very proud of the work I do at Belwin.

Michael Oakes: Land Assistant
michael.oakes@belwin.org
I work on the Land Management team here at Belwin Conservancy controlling invasive species, managing the bison herd, conducting trail maintenance, prescribed burns, equipment maintenance, restoration projects, and facility maintenance, along with many other tasks. I work at Belwin because I am passionate about conserving and restoring land, creating wildlife habitat, and giving future generations the chance to enjoy it too.

Eric Palmen: Facilities and Equipment Specialist
eric.palmen@belwin.org
I love working at Belwin because of the variety of jobs I get to do, the beautiful landscape I am surrounded by each day, and our wonderful, creative staff. I feel like I am doing some good for the planet.

Justin Sykora: Operations Director
justin.sykora@belwin.org
651-425-8070
I enjoy the challenges of working with the complex ecosystems making up Belwin Conservancy. Belwin truly has it all, from soccer fields to hiking trails, wetlands to prairies, forests to savannas, there’s never a chance to get bored. I studied Conservation at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and have been lucky to spend the years since I graduated working with natural resources.