Lindsey Huerter recently came to American Forests as our new director of corporate giving. We’re excited for the experience, enthusiasm and new ideas she’s bringing to the position and the organization — and we think you should be excited, too! From why she’s looking forward to helping further the American Forests’ mission to the story behind her favorite tree, read more about Lindsey.

• Why did you choose to go into conservation?
  My background is in sports. I have worked for baseball teams and in college athletics the past eight years. While I love the atmosphere that comes with a ball game, I have desired for quite some time to find a role that allows me to truly make an impact on the environment that so many species call home. My position with American Forests allows me to do just that each and every day. Growing up in west Michigan, I was surrounded by beaches and forests that provided years of memories with friends and family. I am excited to be a part of an organization working hard to make that an opportunity for future generations.
• What aspects of American Forests’ work are you most excited to be a part of?
  There are many aspects of my new role I am looking forward to, but I think what I am most excited about is the ability to be both a professional and personal advocate for the work I am representing. I love developing new relationships with the community I am a part of, and being able to passionately share the mission and vision of American Forests is something I can’t wait to start doing. It’s a great feeling to know I can help American Forests build partnerships that will help fund national and international programs rebuilding crucial ecosystems.
• What do you think are the most significant challenges facing forests today?
  While there are many challenges facing forests today, the one that really resonates with me is the loss of habitat for species due to the destruction of important ecosystems. Human activity, such as land development, can negatively impact the resources wildlife needs to flourish. And, it is great to know that the biggest issues our forests are encountering are being addressed by an organization I get to be a part of.
• Do you have a favorite story from your years in the field?
  I haven’t worked in conservation prior to this role but do have many great stories from my five years working with the Dayton Dragons, the single A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The Dragons helped me discover what truly drives me as a professional and that is impacting the community I am a part of in a positive way. Due to the incredibly generous corporate partners of the Dragons, I had the opportunity to provide families with their first chance to come out to a game together, honor a child overcoming their battle with cancer during a special inning break presentation, highlight nonprofits providing valuable services to the Dayton area and give kids a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and interview Dragons players and their mascot. The Dragons, and local organizations throughout the Miami Valley, put such an emphasis on community involvement, and getting to implement so many incredible outreach programs was a blessing. I am really looking forward to helping American Forests and their corporate partners make a difference both nationally and internationally.
• What is your favorite tree and why?
  Selecting a favorite tree is a tough question. Where I grew up in Michigan, we were lucky enough to experience a breathtaking, albeit short lived, autumn. Fall in Michigan was something I always looked forward to. The changing colors, jumping in raked leaves and the anticipation of the snow that would soon arrive were all highlights of my childhood in Grand Rapids. While these colors left a lasting impression on me, it would have to be the White Pine that I claim as my favorite tree. When visiting a friend in northern Michigan, we ventured over to Higgins Lake. The water was a stunning turquoise color, something you would expect to see on vacation in the Bahamas, yet here it was just two hours north of my home town. The only giveaway that we were still in Michigan was the greenery surrounding us. White pine, spruce and fir trees were sprinkled around the lake, giving the view its signature pure-Michigan touch. I love heading north when I am back home and experiencing this view all over again.