Fun Fact: Linda loves to travel and counts among her best wildlife experiences a safari in South Africa where she says, “We got close enough to hear the breath of the lions!”

Linda Mead‘s all-time achievements can be summed up in three words: Preservation, Stewardship, and Inspiration. The 22,000+ acres of land she has worked to preserve and protect are a gift to all of us who live and work in our region. Science tells us preserved land ensures cleaner air, more drinkable water, and the open spaces that will give us a running start in the race against climate change. Her innovative guidance of D&R Greenway from a grassroots organization to a national leader has left a significant impact on our region and beyond.

Mead’s enthusiasm for connecting D&R Greenway’s mission with people’s hearts and minds has resulted in substantial private/public partnerships to protect conservation lands and farms and has ensured a stable organization for the future. Her vision guided the creation of D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center in Princeton, NJ, surrounded by Greenway Meadows – whose permanent protection she spearheaded, purchasing the land from the General Robert Wood Johnson estate. Tenacious and determined to solve challenges, she persevered for six years to achieve permanent protection of a former Catholic orphanage in Hopewell; St. Michaels Farm Preserve is now a community asset enjoyed by thousands of people. Lands preserved through her leadership are known throughout New Jersey – from Farm View Fields in Princeton to Point Breeze, the former estate of the exiled King of Spain Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte. Her current challenge is guiding the strategic vision for a new preserve in honor of Betty Wold Johnson, a renown philanthropist whose sons donated her nearly 800-acre farm to D&R Greenway in 2021.

Nationally, Linda Mead partnered with a financial advisor to cofound an innovative national training program for land trusts and financial experts. Results include a mountain protected in Alabama and an innovative financing program in Colorado. Mead contributed to two studies that resulted in National Heritage Areas including the Crossroads of the American Revolution in NJ. She shares her visionary leadership sand expertise in structuring multi-party transactions by serving on the National Leadership Council for the Land Trust Alliance, the professional organization for more than 1,000 land trusts in the US.

Linda Mead’s innovative ideas led her to cofound the Delaware River Sojourn, now in its 27th year, and the Bucks County, PA Open Space Program. She has served on many Boards including Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve and the State of New Jersey Historic Easement Advisory Board. She was a founding member of the Abbott Marshlands Cooperative Stewardship Council and of AWE – the Alliance for Watershed Education for the Delaware River. She partnered with a national business to publish five audio tours accessed on the free TravelStorys app. D&R Greenway’s Healing Trails tour inspired similar tours in hospitals for healthcare workers during the pandemic; and, a tour birthed during the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote highlights Women in Conservation. A new tour, Seldom Told Stories along the Delaware River, will be released this fall.

Recognition with the 2022 Innovator of the Year Award by The Princeton-Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce marks the 25th anniversary of Linda Mead’s leadership of D&R Greenway Land Trust. A graduate of Rutgers University, Ms. Mead has lectured on innovative conservation partnerships at the University of Notre Dame, Princeton University, Yale and Rutgers. Past awards include the 2002 International Paper Conservation Partnership Award presented by The Conservation Fund at the National Press Club; the 2004 NJDEP Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in Open Space Preservation; the 2013 Environmental Achievement Award from Plan Smart New Jersey; the 2013 Women in Wildlife Leadership Award from Conserve Wildlife New Jersey; the 2014 Zone IV Award from the Garden Club of America; the 2017 Mercer Women Leaders Environment Award from Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello; and YWCA Princeton’s 2018 Tribute to Women Award. In 2021, the Rotary Club of Montgomery/Rocky Hill, NJ recognized her achievements with a flag flown for 12 days at the national Flags for Heroes celebration at our nation’s Capital.

Click below to watch a video from the Princeton YWCA Tribute to learn about Linda Mead’s passion for the work of D&R Greenway Land Trust.

Fun Fact: Ask Deb about her interests in eagles, antiques and dancing!

Deb Kilmer came to D&R Greenway Land Trust in 2011 because she is committed to D&R Greenway’s mission of preserving and protecting natural lands, farm lands, and open space.

Deb’s responsibility for D&R Greenway’s Business Partners in Preservation grew from her former work of 18 years with the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce where her ultimate role was Director of Communications. Deb began her professional career as a Tax Examiner for the Internal Revenue Service. She has subsequently held positions at JDK Restorations; Jones New York; AA Matulay, Inc. and Ethix-Mid Atlantic. She is an accomplished business writer, publicist and editor, as well as skilled in greenhouse management. She studied Business and Photography at Bucks County Community College and later enhanced her skills at the Cittone Institute of Business and Technology.

In her spare time, Deb is the Sole Proprietor of an Antique business with the motto of Recycle, Restore, Relove. Deb maintains a close relationship with the outdoors and nature and enjoys dancing, swimming, gardening, birdwatching, walking and traveling. She is a volunteer for the NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Conservation Corps, providing updates on the eagles’ nest situated on the transmission tower on the D&R Canal in Lambertville and is a member of the Colonial Sportsmen’s Club in the Sourland Mountains and the Lambertville-based Kalmia Club. On any Saturday morning, you can find Deb with her camera and binoculars watching the wildlife on the canal or perusing local yard sales and antique markets in search of that very special find.

Ann Zawartkay, CPA, CGMA, Non-Profit Accounting Solutions President, formed NPAS in 2014. With almost 20 years experience working with non-profit organizations, Ann recognizes the necessity for accounting and compliance services tailored specifically to the non-profit community.  Ann is a CPA licensed in the State of New Jersey, a Chartered Global Management Accountant, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  Non-Profit Accounting Solutions understands the rapidly changing non-profit landscape, including financial reporting, IRS regulations, and compliance. Ann has the experience and knowledge to deliver high-quality accounting and consulting services to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of non-profit financial management.

Prior to joining, Ann joined State Theatre New Jersey in April 2015 as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. Prior to her tenure at the Theatre, Ann spent ten years at Mercadien, P.C. Certified Public Accountants, providing auditing and accounting advisory services to nonprofit and government entities. As a member of the firm’s Nonprofit and Government Services Group, her responsibilities included managing, training, and supervising staff in the planning and performance of audit engagements and resolving audit issues with management and board members of clients. Ann also served as the Chief of Authorities and Auditing with the Division of Local Government Services, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, where she monitored compliance of local authorities with prevailing statutes and oversaw the examination of local authority budgets and audits.

Ann holds a B.S. in Accounting and a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Lehigh University, where she was a high honors graduate and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She is a certified public accountant licensed in the State of New Jersey, A Chartered Global Management Accountant, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  Ann is a frequent speaker on both nonprofit and government topics and serves as a faculty member for the BoardConnect program of VolunteerConnect.

Fun Fact: Valarie is an avid runner, running ½ and full marathons. She enjoys hiking, kayaking and cycling. You can find her at Merrill Creek Reservoir hiking or kayaking there!

Valarie J. Bay, MBA, joined D&R Greenway in 2016 as a part-time bookkeeper, assisting the Operations Manager. She has an Undergrad degree in Accounting and a Masters in Finance.

She grew up in the countryside of Sergeantsville, NJ, where open space, fields of green and respect for nature are a way of life! Her passion is running. She also enjoys biking, hiking, and kayaking.

Fun Fact: Rick has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail…… in New Jersey! All 72.2 miles from the Delaware Water Gap to Greenwood Lake. Although New Jersey doesn’t have the highest peaks along the Appalachian Trail, it has some amazing scenery.

Rick Lear joins D&R Greenway after 17 years with the Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation where he served as Director of Parks and Chair of the Open Space Advisory Board since 2015. He created the Middlesex County Conservation Corps in 2006 to help steward over 8,000 acres of open space and 35-miles of trails in the County. Rick started his environmental career with the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association (now the Watershed Institute) as an Education Intern in 1994 and joined full-time in 1996. He holds a B.S. in Natural Resources – Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Oregon State University and will oversee easement monitoring, new acquisitions and assist with the planning for Hillside Farm with D&R Greenway.

Fun Fact: In college, Tina hiked the Adirondacks, Catskills, and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge surveying trees.

Tina Notas has directed the stewardship of D&R Greenway’s preserved properties since 2019. Along with the stewardship team, she manages reforestation efforts, leases on five farms, the deer management program, and public access on 50 miles of trails. Tina also manages D&R Greenway’s plant nursery that grows native plants from seeds. Previously, Tina founded the Office of Sustainability at Drew University, where she spent over a decade tracking and reducing the carbon footprint, managing campus trees, and installing native restoration areas to replace campus lawn. Tina received a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Fun fact: Eric once tended free range laying hens, gathering eggs for his small farm to table cafe in a restored grist mill.

Eric Derby believes his role in life is to make good things happen in the world. At D&R Greenway, he carries that purpose into his work building relationships, inspiring philanthropy, and strengthening the organization’s ability to preserve land, support farmers, and connect people with nature. Previously, as Director of Development and Communications at the Foodshed Alliance, he advanced farmer viability programs and led transformational fundraising that expanded the organization’s reach and impact. His career has centered on creating partnerships that help communities thrive, farmers succeed, and the landscapes that sustain them endure.

Fun Fact: Carley lived in Western Australia and New Zealand for three years! She learned about new cultures and explored diverse ecosystems.

Carley Lebowitz joined D&R Greenway Land Trust in August 2023 where she started as a seasonal steward and has advanced to her current role as Land & Trail Manager. Carley believes in creating a supportive and inclusive environment. She’s great at bringing people together, coordinating efforts, and inspiring a love for land maintenance and preservation.
From a young age, Carley was captivated by nature, spending countless hours exploring the woods and learning about the environment. With a background in tree care and landscaping, she brings a hands-on approach to managing trails and ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Carley is also an avid animal lover, often advocating for wildlife conservation and integrating animal-friendly practices into her work. She has a playful pup named Akyra who often accompanies her on outdoor adventures.

Fun Fact: Dan has hiked all of Custer State Park, completing their 2023 trail challenge. It was his first time seeing bison, a sight he will never forget. Living free and in the wild!

Dan Kapner joined D&R Greenway with a passion for environmental stewardship and a deep-rooted love for the natural world. A 2023 graduate with a degree in Environmental Science and 2024 Alliance for Watershed Education Fellow alumnus, Dan plays a key role in building and maintaining trails and assisting in ecological restoration projects across the organization’s many preserves. He has also collaborated with U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel to track and band young American Kestrels, furthering critical conservation work.

As a member of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Dan contributes to advancing knowledge in avian science and conservation, supporting efforts to understand and protect bird populations. With a strong commitment to environmental education and habitat preservation, Dan is proud to help safeguard the region’s natural beauty for generations to come. His enthusiasm for the outdoors shines through in his hobbies—hiking, biking, camping, and birdwatching—which naturally align with D&R Greenway’s mission.

Fun fact: A year of Melanie‘s life was spent in India, over three different visits to various regions. Her glasses were taken by monkeys there more than once!

Melanie Mead was raised with a deep respect for nature and passion for environmental protection. An ever-growing personal interest in cultural studies, philosophy, and human rights fueled her studies from undergrad onwards. This brought her into a variety of life and work experiences, from social services to teaching and educational services. For fifteen years, Melanie lived in the Southwest and recently returned to her roots in the Northeast.

Excited to join the mission of preservation at the D&R Greenway, Melanie is grateful for the chance to be a part of the Discovery Center at Point Breeze which honors a very unique historic landscape. Her past experiences, leading a trailside nature museum as well as providing guest and membership services at a children’s museum, have given her a vested interest in museum education. Melanie is a life-long learner with a Master of Education degree in Human Relations and Public Management from Northern Arizona University.

Fun Fact: About 10 years ago, Lisa traveled to India and was walking with her roommate in the town of Dharamsala. They were walking on a roadway in the vicinity of the Himalayan Mountains and heard a car beep – “I turned to look, and it was the Dalai Lama with his driver….we all waved to one another!”

Lisa Bruno joined D&R Greenway as a Volunteer Educator in 2021 after retiring from NJM Insurance Group as a Senior IT Project Manager. Lisa’s life passion for non-profit causes led her to secure her current role with Mercer Street Friends as the Director of IT and Project Management. She emphasized there is a powerful force when shared values, compassion, and drive come together — resulting in positive change. Lisa’s commitment to being a nature enthusiast and an avid recreational kayaker aligned nicely to become D&R Greenway’s Kayak Program Manager.

Kayak Education is an initiative of The Discovery Center at Point Breeze and launches from Bordentown Beach. The program afforded Lisa the opportunity to appreciate our precious waterways, respect natural habitats, and honor cultural history. It brings great pleasure and joy to Lisa to share the experience with our community and students. The opportunity revved up Lisa’s passion to protect the planet for our future generations and to foster a more equitable, sustainable world. Lisa holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development & Change. She enjoys traveling, gardening, festivals, day trips, wine tastings, and the NJ boardwalks.

Susan Charkes has been assisting D&R Greenway with various communications projects since 2010. A writer and poet, she is the author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes Near Philadelphia and Outdoors With Kids–Philadelphia.

She works in easement stewardship with Brandywine Conservancy, a Pennsylvania-based land conservation organization. She is a long-time volunteer with community environmental organizations in Pennsylvania, has worked as an attorney and in information management, and has been in the nonprofit environmental field since 2006, with prior positions at New Jersey and Maryland organizations. She has served on the Stewardship Council of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Susan holds a BA from The University of Chicago, a JD from Columbia University, and an MLS from Rutgers University. She leads hikes and is a volunteer Appalachian Trail maintainer.

See more on her website, susancharkes.com

Bernie Miller joined D&R Greenway as the Facilities Manager in 2025.

From 2005 to 2020, Bernie served as Construction Manager for the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority where he oversaw construction projects funded through the N.J.H.C.F.F.A. In addition, he performed regulatory compliance reviews of healthcare projects as Architectural Reviewer with the N.J. Department of Health.

Previously, Bernie held the position of Staff Architect and Facilities Manager for eleven years at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy and Old Bridge. Bernie’s personal interests and activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, woodworking and playing drums.

David Smithers joined D&R Greenway as the caretaker of St. Michaels Farm Preserve in 2022. Dave maintains the preserve for public enjoyment by making sure trails are clear, building and maintaining structures, and caring for trees. Dave has over thirty years’ experience in the automotive industry and is an archery and firearms instructor.