Friends,

I’m writing on this beautiful September Friday to share some bittersweet news with you all. As some of you may know, I am stepping down from my full-time role as Bellwether’s Land Stewardship and Program Manager as of the end of this month. I have been recruited for and offered a position at the Holden Arboretum as their Community Forestry Research Specialist, and it is an offer I couldn’t refuse.

As I eagerly anticipate the beginning of my new job I’m also reflective as I step away from the day-to-day operations of Bellwether Farm. This role has been a joy and a challenge—it is no small thing to have been a part of this project from the very beginning. I am not “disappearing” by any means, as I will continue to contribute to the Bellwether project by advising on land stewardship decisions and assisting with programming on an as-needed basis. I will, however, miss regularly working with this wonderful staff family, and working on a regular basis with the land and programs at the Farm.

I have been able to accomplish a lot of groundwork for Bellwether’s programming and land management, and much of that is because of the community that has come alongside me—staff, the diocesan community, neighbors, and friends. Thank you ALL for your support and companionship in the past year-and-a-half.

This next professional and vocational step has resonance with the Diocese and Bellwether’s mission; I am glad to continue the work of caring for God’s people and creation as a part of the wider community.

Blessings and peace,

Jessica