In January 2020, the SLT Board of Directors welcomed a new member, Wendy Whitson.

Although Wendy and her husband John just moved from Sonoma County to Mt. Shasta permanently in March of last year, their hearts took up residence here many years ago. Over a couple of decades, they went from thinking of this place as the greatest vacation spot ever to their true home… where they were the best, happiest versions of themselves. They love cross country skiing, hiking, biking and just walking through Mt. Shasta’s peaceful neighborhoods.

As Wendy and John looked for opportunities to get more deeply involved in the community, it didn’t take long for SLT to show up on their radar. Taking almost daily walks in beautiful Sisson Meadow, Wendy and John enjoyed the benefits of SLT’s preservation efforts firsthand. As they learned more about the incredible depth and breadth of the conservation projects SLT has both completed and envisioned for the future, they were eager to get involved. Wendy’s 30 years of experience as a real estate attorney as well as her extensive experience in non-profit leadership. drew her to a board position with SLT. John is looking forward to applying his deep background in financial planning and analysis to support SLT in the development of its strategic plan for future growth.

Wendy says, “we both recognize that this is a unique and critical time in SLT’s development. The organization has more than doubled the number of acres under protection in the last year and gained a reputation as a creative, competent, effective land trust that can close major conservation transactions. We’re so excited and honored to be able to participate in the important work of moving SLT forward into a very bright future while keeping site of its grass-roots origins. SLT has connected us with the most wonderful people and is giving us an opportunity to make a lasting difference in this place we love!”