Welcome Joe Bernard, Land Steward!
November 8, 2024
If you have been around our preserves lately and spotted a new face, you may have found our Land Steward, Joseph Bernard. Joe has moved to the area from Southeast Minnesota with his wife Kristen, 2.5-year-old son Dillon, and their hound dog Gryff. He is originally from Ohio and is looking forward to being back closer to family. His hobbies include hiking, camping, native gardening, and reading.
Joe’s favorite tree is the Swamp White Oak, pictured here, which can live for 900 years and is a host plant for more than 500 species of moths and butterflies.
Joe has joined our team as an active environmentalist dedicated to the maintenance and care of natural spaces.
Previously working for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio and Minnesota as a Preserve Management and Stewardship Assistant, he brings experience from a variety of landscapes in the Midwest. In addition to stewardship, Joe also brings a passion for youth and adult education on environmental topics. Throughout the winter, Joe will be focused on gaining familiarity with our 19 preserves, planning invasive species removal projects, marking property boundaries, and improving trail conditions. Welcome, Joe!
Joe captured this picture at Brennan Woods which showcases a great example of an oak woodlands!
You can contact Joe at steward@clearlakeconservancy.org.