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A - The Leadership
Janet Goehner-Jacobs, Executive Director of the Saddler's Woods Conservation Association
Janet Goehner-Jacobs founded the Saddler's Woods Conservation Association in June, 2004. She initially served as the Director of Communications and has served as the Executive Director since July, 2008.
Ms. Goehner-Jacobs received her B.A. in English from Catawba College and has over 15 years of management experience. She is a naturalist with a zeal for sharing the woods with visitors from all walks of life, and as Executive Director, she executes grants, oversees daily operations and ensures that SWCA succeeds in its core initiatives of restoration, education and research.
B - The Organization: Saddler's Woods Conservation Association
Mission Statement:
Saddler's Woods Conservation Association is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to caring for an urban forest in Haddon Township, NJ. Their organization's core initiatives are restoration, education and research.
About Us:
Just five miles from Philadelphia, Saddler's Woods contains young woodlands, wetlands and a rare stand of old growth trees with trees ranging from 100 - 400 years old. Over 1,000 volunteers enjoy Saddler's Woods every year for volunteer programs, educational tours, or just to take a quiet walk in the woods.
Current Events:
Saddler's Woods Conservation Association (SWCA) will exhibit artifacts found in Saddler's Woods at the William G. Rohrer Memorial branch of the Camden County library in Haddon Township, New Jersey. The exhibit runs from January 5 through January 30, 2009.
The exhibit showcases a variety of historic and natural objects that have been found in Saddler's Woods. "These objects help to tell the story of Saddler's Woods" says Goehner-Jacobs. "It's amazing what we have found during our restoration work of the site - and this is a chance for us to share those treasures with the public".
The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours; including Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. The library is closed on all Sundays, as well as Martin Luther King Day on January 19th.
C - GREEN 10-Qs
1. What childhood, personal, or career eco-experience inspired your current work?
I became active in a grass roots movement to save the woods in 1999. Thanks to many activists working together, the woods were permanently preserved in 2003. But we soon realized that saving the woods was just the beginning, and so we founded the non-profit organization to continue caring for the place so many had worked so hard to save.
2. Who inspires you in our Philadelphia community?
I am inspired by the activism and leadership of many organizations such as Delaware Riverkeeper Network. I am also inspired by Fred Stine, Citizen Action Coordinator for DRKN.
3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Founding the non-profit and developing it into an active community organization.
4. What is one of your favorite Philly eco-activities, products, or services?
The Patco - reducing my carbon footprint by taking public transportation!
5. What is one of the things that you regularly do to make your life more eco-friendly?
I drive a hybrid, use reusable bags, take public transportation whenever possible and have recently started switching out my incandescent bulbs for the energy efficient ones.
6. What would you change about your home or office to make it more eco-friendly?
I have been considering solar panels for my home.
7. What would you change about Philly to make it more eco-friendly?
Incorporating more native species in landscapes, parks and utilizing vacant lots as green spaces and parks.
8. What book, movie, or TV show would you recommend people to read or watch?
The book, "Bringing Nature Home" by Doug Tallamy
9. In addition to your family and friends, what three people living or dead would you take to live with you for a decade on a deserted island?
The Dalai Lama, Mary Oliver, and Jane Goodall.
10. What quote (with source) or your own words of wisdom would you like to share with our readers?
Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. - Mother Teresa
For more information on the Saddler's Woods Conservation Association, you can check them out at their website, Return On Investment Table.
