Kristen O’Hara

Conservation Programs Coordinator at Westchester Land Trust

Kristen is responsible for conservation programs and volunteer coordination at WLT. She serves as co-coordinator for the Hudson to Housatonic Regional Conservation Partnership, an interstate collaboration of more than 50 CT and NY conservation groups working to advance regional priorities. Hailing from New Mexico, Kristen received a B.S. in Biology from the University of New Mexico and has cultivated a career in environmental education and science communication over the last seven years. She has worked for Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the National Park Service, and several education centers across the country. Prior to her arrival at WLT, Kristen was the Education Manager at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum in Cornwall, NY.

Hallie Schwab

Conservationist at Highstead

Hallie Schwab is a conservationist at Highstead in Redding, CT where her work focuses on supporting collaborative, cross-boundary conservation through the Regional Conservation Partnership Network. She holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resources from the University in Vermont and has done research on how woodland owners make decisions about the future of their land. Her prior professional experience includes outreach and stewardship roles with regional land trusts in New York and Massachusetts. Hallie serves as co-coordinator for the Hudson to Housatonic Regional Conservation Partnership.

Kara Hartigan Whelan

Vice President at Westchester Land Trust

Kara works locally and regionally to build capacity for projects that promote land preservation and agriculture as methods for strengthening community wellness and resilience. She directs WLT’s conservation programs, communications, fundraising, and events. Kara is an advisor to the Hudson to Housatonic Regional Conservation Partnership. She holds a Master’s in Natural Resource Policy from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s in Environmental Geoscience from Boston College.