Absolutely! No problem! Great idea! How can I help?
If you are hearing this, you are likely speaking with Shawn Graff, Executive Director of the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust. Possibly the most positive person on the planet, Shawn has translated that positive energy into protecting over 5000 acres of conservation lands in Ozaukee and Washington County. He does this by inspiring people, through countless hours of hard work and serious Class A networking.
Those acres of land in Ozaukee County include OWLT properties such as Bratt Woods, Donges Bay Gorge, Sauk Creek Nature Preserve, Huiras Lake Nature Preserve, Kurtz Woods, Forest Beach Migratory Preserve and the Cedarburg Educational Study Area. Also included are lands under various other government or non-profit control where OWLT holds the conservation easement such as Lion's Den Nature Preserve and the Mequon Nature Center. In addition, there are many acres of protected lands with OWLT conservation easements on them that are held in private ownership. For a complete listing of public access lands, see the OWLT website at http://owlt.org.
Shawn came to OWLT in 2003 after serving as President of Graff & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in non-profit management, historic preservation and fundraising. He has extensive experience in consulting for local governments and non-profit organizations on fundraising, site planning, historic preservation and long-range planning.
In addition to directing the Land Trust's preservation programs, Shawn is responsible for all aspects of organizational development including fund development, membership, education and outreach, land stewardship and conservation. Shawn holds a Masters of Art degree in Art History from UW-Milwaukee, where he focused much of his research on historic preservation and city planning.
Shawn's energy and support opened the door and supported the walls in the creation of Treasures of Oz. OWLT brought us and the Treasures idea under the umbrella of the Land Trust so we could accept donations and grant money to put our event and our website together. Shawn has provided insight and guidance all along the way from serving on our Steering Team to working at the event.
Shawn's influence on the environment in Ozaukee extends beyond OWLT and Treasures of Oz. He also sits on many boards and advisory groups including the Town of Grafton Open Space Commission and the new Ozaukee Treasures Network.
Treasures of Oz is delighted to name Shawn Graff Wizard of Oz for April, 2012.