Janet Andersen, our 2020 Volunteer of the Year, has served on the Davidson Lands Conservancy board since 2019. She quickly became integral to DLC through her tireless land stewardship, not to mention her service as board secretary—a job that requires meticulous attention to detail.
Her love of nature began as a child, when her family relocated to Latin America. After spending her formative years exploring the natural wonders of Venezuela, Mexico, and Brazil, she continued her love of travel, exploring Australia as well as the great National Parks of the United States.
Leading the DLC stewardship efforts in 2020, Janet monitored each of our conserved properties, hiking densely vegetated landscapes with an infectiously positive outlook. She believes the opportunity to spend time in nature allows one to get grounded in things that are more important than the latest news flash.
“As area population growth continues, it’s important to provide natural habitats for the movement of wildlife, nesting places for birds and bees, fields of milkweed for monarchs. It is equally important to have access to a place to sit quietly and listen to the birds and be with oneself. It is good for the soul,” she said.
Since moving to the Davidson area nearly 20 years ago, Janet has been a stalwart and vocal supporter of local conservation efforts, recognizing the important balance between thoughtful development and preserving natural resources.
Executive Director Dave Cable captured the feelings of her fellow board members and volunteers, saying, “Janet has been an excellent thought partner in a year of change. We’re grateful and appreciative for her bold, funny, and generous personality, and her endless energy dedicated to our conservation efforts.”
