It is with great pride but also a bit of sadness that CTNC announces the retirement of Margaret Newbold, Senior Associate. Margaret joined CTNC in 1997. We are grateful for Margaret’s 20 years of dedicated service to CTNC, the NC Land Trust Council, and the greater conservation community. She has been a driving force for significant transformation in land conservation.
With Margaret’s passion, expertise, guidance, and commitment to partnerships, CTNC has become a leader on emerging issues facing land trusts, conservation organizations, and local communities across our state. During her tenure, CTNC was able to conserve 34,500 acres of land along the Blue Ridge Parkway, support local land trusts with $15.05 million in low-interest loans leveraging protection of $46.6 million in land value, and connect hundreds of young people from diverse backgrounds to careers in conservation through the Diversity in Conservation Internship Program, NC Youth Conservation Corps, and CTNC AmeriCorps.
“We are incredibly lucky to have been the beneficiaries of Margaret’s passion for the outdoors, her generous spirit and her deep commitment to the land. Her imprint on the conservation community will be felt for generations,” said Kelley Russell, CTNC Board President.
“CTNC is recognized as a national land trust leader tackling issues related to racial diversity, equity, and inclusion seeking to build a conservation sector that represents all of North Carolina’s communities,” said Executive Director Chris Canfield. “I am grateful to Margaret for all she has achieved and am assured CTNC will continue to thrive as a leader because of the strong foundation she helped to build.”
“I am so thankful to have been able to work with and learn from so many champions for land conservation and community economic development,” said Margaret. “The conservation landscape has evolved significantly and as we face new challenges, I am excited to pass the torch to smart, new leaders who will continue the important work that will be required to protect North Carolina’s most unique and special places for future generations.”
Newbold added, “As we tackle new challenges in a changing landscape, the conservation sector must work more closely with the community economic development sector to chart a course that fosters healthy, whole communities. Land is the foundation of this work and the common ground we all share and it connects us all.”
She continued, “I feel so lucky to have been able to do what I love and work with so many committed and dedicated individuals throughout the years. Getting out and enjoying nature has always been what renews my spirit. Being able to do that and encourage others to experience nature in their own way has been a great gift. We all have our own unique relationship with the natural world around us – as a hiker, farmer, fisherman, artist, or just for solace. I believe the key is valuing and learning from everyone’s experience and making sure we have places to support all our needs in the future.”
The CTNC Board of Directors and staff extend our deepest gratitude to Margaret for her years of service and wish her many new, fun adventures.