Stephen Mayer, Treasurer
Stephen Mayer has lived in Hamden for twenty-six years. He has served on the Arts and Solid Waste & Recycling Commissions, as well as a term on the Legislative Council.

Betsy Gorman
A lifelong area resident A former grade school teacher A full time realtor since 1976 Works at Press/Cuozzo realtors Presently serves on the board of directors of the Hamden Historical Society and the Hamden Rotary Club Foundation (president) A recipient of the Hamden Notables award A recipient of the Paul Harris award An active member of the community who enjoys travel, golf and gardening

Bruce Russett
Bruce Russett is Professor of Political Science at Yale, specializing in international relations and conflict resolution. He and his wife Cynthia (Professor of History at Yale), have lived in Whitneyville since 1965, and their four children all attended Hamden public schools.

Bob Zambrano
Bob Zambrano and his wife Laura have lived in Hamden since 1976. Bob is a member of the Economic Development Commission, and he has a background in banking, specializing in regulatory compliance and lending.

Donald Mitchell
Donald Mitchell, a dedicated and valuable Board member of the Hamden Land Conservation Trust, passed away on May 5 while on a bike ride. Don was an avid hiker and cyclist, and was very active in organizations which promote proper land use. Don loved being outdoors and could always be found either biking or hiking year round. He knew all of the trails in Hamden and was always eager to lead hikes on Land Trust properties. When he was not out and about he loved spending time with his family. His knowledge of Hamden and his willingness to help wherever he was needed helped the Land Trust immensely. He will be missed. The Land Trust is honored to be designated as the recipient of memorial donations for Don.

Board Members

Andy Brand
A Connecticut native, Andy Brand spent his youth wandering the wilds around Storrs and adjacent towns. He and his wife Michelle moved to Brooksvale Ave. in northern Hamden in 1990. They have two children; Lindsay who is 15 and Caleb who is 12. Andy is an amateur naturalist with a strong interest in birds, butterflies and other insects, and native plants. He frequently leads birding and butterfly trips across the State and gives presentations to groups on a variety of topics. For the past 16 years he has worked hard to protect and preserve the wildlife and remaining open space of Hamden. He is currently serving a second term on the Hamden Natural Resources and Open Space Commission. After joining the HLCT in 2002, he was appointed Chairman of the Land Acquisition and Stewardship Committee and was elected President in 2008.

Jim Sirch, Vice-President
Jim Sirch has more than twenty years of experience teaching about science and natural history. He works at Yale University's Peabody Museum of Natural History as Education Coordinator where he provides professional development for educators and teaches classes for learners of all ages. He is also Adjunct Professor of Biology for Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. Formerly, he worked as a nature center director, environmental educator and Earth Science teacher. Jim is one of the co-founders of the Southern New England Herpetological Association and the Connecticut Amphibian Monitoring Project, a citizen science program that monitors amphibian populations at 15 sites in the state. He also has conducted population surveys for local conservation and inland wetland commissions.

Tom Parlapiano
Tom Parlapiano moved to Hamden in 1997 but his involvement in environmental issues stretches back to the early 1980's. He is employed by the City of New Haven as a naturalist, presenting environmental programs and creating seasonal nature exhibits at the Trowbridge Environmental Center located in East Rock Park. He also works as an environmental educator for the Town of Hamden at Brooksvale Park where, in addition to offering nature programs to the public, Tom is busy with special events such as the annual Fall Festival, National Trails Day events and the 2006 Brooksvale Park BioBlitz. He is an avid birder and enjoys hiking, canoeing and sailing. Prior to joining the board of the Hamden Land Conservation Trust, Tom served on the board of the New Haven Land Trust, and was a member of both the Environmental Commission and River Maintenance Committee in Cranford, NJ. Tom is currently vice-chairman of Hamden's Natural Resources & Open Space Commission and an active member of the Friends of Brooksvale Park, Spring Glen Civic Association and Dunbar United Church of Christ.

Nancy Abbey
Nancy Abbey has lived in Hamden for 13 years. She is the Assistant Director of the Milford Public Library. She is a beekeeper and an avid hiker. She has served on the Land Trust Board since 2006 and is its web master.

Elizabeth Langhorn, Secretary
Elizabeth Langhorne moved to Hamden in 1990. She is an associate professor at Central Connecticut State University, where she teaches modern art history. Inspired by the beauty of the Olin Property fall walk she joined the HLCT in 2002, and has served as its Secretary since January 2004.

(Additional board member biographies coming soon)