Who We Are

The Black Swamp Conservancy is a land trust, a regional, non-profit land conservation organization serving northwest Ohio. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all gifts and donations to the Conservancy are tax-deductible and stay in northwest Ohio.

The Conservancy is one of over forty land trusts in Ohio and one of more than 1,500 nationwide. We belong to the Coalition of Ohio Land Trusts and the Land Trust Alliance.

Black Swamp Conservancy owns land or holds conservation agreements on property in twelve northwest Ohio counties and in Monroe County, Michigan.

Since its founding, Black Swamp Conservancy has grown to be a respected regional land trust, governed by a diverse board of trustees and operated by a knowledgeable staff serving a geographic area larger than the state of Connecticut.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Black Swamp Conservancy is to protect and preserve natural and agricultural lands in northwest Ohio for the benefit of future generations.

HISTORY

The Black Swamp Conservancy was founded in 1993 by a group of people alarmed by the rapidly accelerating rate of development in rural northwest Ohio. These concerned citizens recognized the need to protect and enhance the best remaining natural and agricultural areas in this region and to promote responsible stewardship of the land.

Since the Great Black Swamp once covered most of this area, the name Black Swamp Conservancy was chosen. Our first land conservation agreement, covering a six-acre Ottawa County wetland, was signed in December of 1997. Since then, the Conservancy has grown to protect more than eighty properties covering over 10,000 acres.

STAFF

Sarah Brokamp – Advancement Coordinator

sbrokamp@blackswamp.org

Sarah joined our Conservancy in 2011. As Advancement Coordinator, Sarah’s responsibilities include managing the website and electronic media, volunteer coordination, special event planning, public relations and education. Sarah is a graduate of BGSU with a degree in environmental policy and analysis. Sarah lives in Haskins with her husband and their two children.

Kevin Joyce – Executive Director

kjoyce@blackswamp.org

Kevin joined the Conservancy in 2005 as Executive Director. He has a background in law, organization development and management. Kevin holds a law degree from the University of Toledo and a master’s from BGSU’s College of Business Administration. He and his wife live in Sylvania. They have two daughters.

Rob Krain – Conservation Director

steward@blackswamp.org

Rob began working with Black Swamp Conservancy in 2007, as a consultant, and joined the staff in 2008. His responsibilities include managing land protection, landowner relations and stewardship, including easement monitoring. Rob is a 2006 graduate of Bowling Green State University with degree in environmental policy and analysis. Rob lives in Perrysburg. In his spare time, he enjoys kayaking, hiking, camping and American roots music.

Linda Wegman – Office Manager

lwegman@blackswamp.org

Linda has been Office Manager of Black Swamp Conservancy since 2005. A lifelong resident of northwest Ohio, Linda is also the office manager of a local family foundation and has a wealth of nonprofit experience. Linda lives in Maumee and has two daughters and a granddaughter.