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We are thrilled to welcome three new trustees to the Board: Arwen Turner of Wallingford, Lizah Makombore of Burlington, and Sam Burr of Bristol. Our Board guides VLT’s mission to protect, steward, and restore the farms, forests, and community spaces that define Vermont.
Arwen Turner is the Executive Director of Come Alive Outside, a Vermont-based nonprofit that builds collaborative community systems to connect individuals, families, and entire communities to the health and wellness benefits of outdoor spaces. A passionate advocate for outdoor equity and inclusion, Arwen is also the co-founder of Thicket Adventure, an outdoor apparel company creating high-quality, true plus-size gear for larger-bodied adventurers.
Arwen brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and fund development, having led initiatives across the U.S. and abroad.
Lizah Makombore brings over a decade of experience across NGOs, development agencies, public finance institutions, and academia. Guided by the Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — her work centers on community-driven practice, sustainability, and collective wellbeing. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Vermont, Lizah’s research explores how ecological economics can inform policies that support diverse farmers and resilient agroecosystems.
Lizah has contributed to climate policy design, water stewardship partnerships, and support for small- and medium-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. She lives in Burlington, Vermont, with her family.
Sam Burr brings diverse agricultural experience to VLT. Since the late 1970s, Sam has lived and farmed in Vermont — living on a livestock/goat dairy, and then later managing a cow dairy before transitioning to diversified farming in the 1980s. In 1985, Sam and his wife, Eugenie Doyle, purchased and conserved Last Resort Farm in Monkton.
They continue to run the farm with their son and his family, producing organic fruits, vegetables, maple sap, and hay. After earning a law degree, Sam brought his years of agricultural experience to the Vermont State House, serving as legislative staff for several committees, including House and Senate Agriculture.
“Our trustees play a vital role in shaping the future of land conservation in Vermont,” said Tracy Zschau, President and CEO of the Vermont Land Trust. “Sam, Lizah, and Arwen bring invaluable insights into how conservation intersects with farming, recreation, and community wellbeing. We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment to our mission.”
Learn more about our BoardTracy became our President & CEO in October 2023, in her 26th year of service with our organization. She first came to love Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom as a student at Sterling College, where she received a degree in Natural Resource Management. Tracy went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Colby College and a master’s degree in Forestry from the University of Maine, Orono. Tracy joined VLT in 1997 and served as the Northeast Kingdom Regional Director prior to becoming the Conservation Director, and later Vice President for Land Protection. Tracy and her husband, Kurt, live in Johnsbury where they have raised two children. Tracy serves on the board of Passumpsic Savings Bank and is also a member of the St. Johnsbury Selectboard. Exploring the fields, forests, rivers and lakes of Vermont, in every season, brings her great joy.
EmailTracy became our President & CEO in October 2023, in her 26th year of service with our organization. She first came to love Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom as a student at Sterling College, where she received a degree in Natural Resource Management. Tracy went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Colby College and a master’s degree in Forestry from the University of Maine, Orono. Tracy joined VLT in 1997 and served as the Northeast Kingdom Regional Director prior to becoming the Conservation Director, and later Vice President for Land Protection. Tracy and her husband, Kurt, live in Johnsbury where they have raised two children. Tracy serves on the board of Passumpsic Savings Bank and is also a member of the St. Johnsbury Selectboard. Exploring the fields, forests, rivers and lakes of Vermont, in every season, brings her great joy.
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