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June 24, 2026
The Wallkill Valley Land Trust (WVLT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Gotto and Jason Taylor to its Board of Directors. These accomplished professionals join the organization at a critical juncture, as local land conservation and environmental stewardship require unceasing vigilance and adaptive leadership.
Recognizing these challenges, the new board members bring a powerful combination of municipal leadership, communications strategy, and technical expertise to the organization:
Amanda Gotto (New Paltz): Transitions to the board with an extensive background in community service focused on land use and environmental issues. She has served as Town of New Paltz Supervisor and Council member, Town Planning Board member, and Town/Village Climate Smart Task Force project manager, alongside multiple regional planning roles. Her tenure was marked by strong advocacy for sustainability initiatives, infrastructure solar projects, and critical conservation easements. Prior to her civic leadership, she enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career in chemical engineering and pharmaceuticals, notably serving as the Director of Global Project Management at Novartis.
Jason Taylor (New Paltz): A seasoned specialized communications professional who owns and operates Bridgehook Communications. Taylor possesses nearly 16 years of senior-level experience at Scenic Hudson, Inc., where he served as Associate Director of Communications. His comprehensive understanding of strategic storytelling and public relations within the nonprofit conservation sector equips the land trust with enhanced capabilities to articulate its mission and drive philanthropic support.
The collective expertise of this expanded board is immediately being put to use as the land trust navigates simultaneous land stewardship challenges. In tandem with addressing the bridge crisis at Nyquist-Harcourt, the WVLT has restarted its annual invasive water chestnut removal initiative within the Sanctuary’s critical Oxbow ecosystem. Guided by Land Stewardship Coordinator Cara Gentry, this hand-pulling project has successfully removed 11 tons of invasive plant material over three consecutive years, operating alongside broader responsibilities across thousands of acres of protected forests, farms, and public pathways like the iconic Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
To sustain these vital efforts and address the compounding costs of the recent bridge destruction, the WVLT has intensified its fundraising efforts. The recently launched Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary Campaign for 2026 established a baseline goal of $15,000 to cover annual, scheduled trail maintenance. However, the sudden structural crisis caused by a fallen tree on one of the main bridges on the property requires immediate, supplementary funding.
Community members are urged to support these critical needs by making immediate financial contributions online at wallkillvalleylt.org or by mailing a check to:
Wallkill Valley Land Trust
PO Box 208, New Paltz, NY 12561
(Please note “Nyquist” in the memo line)