January Force of Nature: Anne Nixon-Ellery

We are happy to introduce our new FoHVOS Force of Nature column. FoHVOS Force of Nature began as a 2-mile REI-sponsored hike at our new Mount Rose preserve. Led by wellness expert Romy Toussaint and supplemented by FoHVOS land steward Beth Craighead, the hike featured an in-forest guided meditation experience. The Force of Nature hike almost immediately sold out and exposed a desire to celebrate new and exciting Hopewell Valley lands and women. Thus our new FoHVOS Force of Nature (FFON) feature was born.

FFON is a tribute to both Hopewell Valley lands and ladies. Early spring, we will announce our new FFON hike series. Today, we introduce our first monthly FoHVOS Force of Nature honoree.

Anne with Lisa Jordan, FoHVOS Development Dir

Anne Nixon-Ellery is a true Force of Nature. Her family and barn are featured on the cover of Hopewell Valley Neighbors magazine. In addition, FoHVOS would like to honor her efforts and dedication to the environment on our blog.Anne has volunteered to do literally anything FoHVOS has asked and we have asked for some pretty wacky stuff.

In just this past year Ms. Nixon-Ellery has:

Designed our new FoHVOS 30-year logo shown on this page,
Bartended for our Meet The New Executive Director Open House,
Designed a BioBlitz science logo, Gala invitation, balloon tix & gala favors,
Donated the Glenmoore barn for our annual gala and as an auction item,
Enlisted her husband and others for significant volunteer efforts,
Carved our HV Arts Council Pumpkin to win Community Partner award,
Designed Facebook Frame for FoHVOS “Giving Tuesday.
And so much more!

Here is our interview:

Lisa: You spend a lot time and effort on FoHVOS activities. Why are you so committed?

Anne: Our property is completely surrounded by you. We feel connected and we really love the fact that you surround us. It is wonderful that this area in Hopewell has permanently preserved land. Thank God you did that because otherwise it could have been McMansions or something. We like the green belt around Hopewell. It really is an emerald necklace. We are so fortunate that preserves envelop us and it gives the barn a really unique feel that you won’t find anywhere else.

Lisa: So would it be safe to say that you are glad the FoHVOS Thompson Preserve is next door and you are “paying it forward?”

Anne: Yes I am paying it forward but not just for the preserve by our barn. Granted I love the feel living here, but I am appreciative of far more than that. FoHVOS is all about community and that is what connects me so deeply. FoHVOS protects Hopewell Valley’s character through open space preservation and they have land in all parts of the Valley. Further, I love community-oriented aspects like guided hikes and walks, and that your staff goes to people’s private homes and recommend the best ecological use of their land. It’s great for the environment and community on so many levels. Getting people out on the land keeps the community, people, and land healthy and connected. I love being part of that.

Yes, I try to pay it forward. I use everything available to me to help further the mission because it is important. Our barn can be a community location because there isn’t anything like that around here. My design services can help with branding to spread the word of all the great opportunities available in our community. Plus, I get exposed to so much that I otherwise wouldn’t have. Who else is going to have me bartend or carve a pumpkin?

Lisa: What was your least favorite volunteering activity?

Anne: After the Pumpkin Carve, FoHVOS was so proud they extended the pumpkin display time by showing it in front of Brick Farm Market. It stayed a bit too long, so I carted it off. My car was filled with rotting pumpkin and fruit flies. It was pretty disgusting.