STAFF
Meet the team that’s protecting the lands and waters we all love!
Tom Stolp, Executive Director
Tom Stolp leads Restoring Lands’ mission to protect and restore Wisconsin’s natural landscapes through strategic conservation and community partnerships. With over a decade of land trust leadership, he guided the merger that created Restoring Lands after serving as Executive Director of the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust. Named Wisconsin’s 2023 Land Trust Professional of the Year, Tom is a consensus‑driven leader and lifelong Wisconsinite who enjoys skiing, hiking, and time at his family’s Northwoods cabin.
Belle Bergner, Operations Director
Belle Bergner joined the land trust team in a full-time capacity in November 2024 after serving in contractor roles. Originally from the East Coast, Belle has been a happy Midwest transplant for over 21 years. Belle oversees the day-to-day operations of the land trust and provides direction and strategy to ensure the organization runs smoothly and efficiently. Belle develops and implements plans and structure to align operations with the organization’s mission and strategic goals. Belle has 20+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector from leadership to grant writing and community organizing. She has an MS in Ecology from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Biological Sciences with a minor in Environmental Studies from Mount Holyoke College. Serving the mission of the land trust is the perfect blend of her passion and interests. She enjoys finding time to identify native plants in the land trust’s preserves and going for walks or bike rides when she isn’t at one of her kids’ soccer, hockey, climbing, or other activities.
Carryn Sami, Chief Philanthropy Officer
Carryn Sami joined Ozaukee Washington Land Trust in September 2024. A long-time Ozaukee County resident, Carryn comes to the land trust from an 18-year development career with a Milwaukee nonprofit that supports women battling substance use disorder. She brings a track record of successful fundraising campaigns and donor engagement efforts, and is excited to apply her skills to initiatives that promote clean water, fresh air, and a healthy natural environment. Carryn is passionate about the vital role of the outdoors in enhancing mental and physical well-being, and is dedicated to making sure that people from across southeastern Wisconsin have access to the peace and healing that can be found in nature.
Steve Henkel, Land Protection Director
Steve Henkel began his career with OWLT in the spring of 2008 by volunteering at stewardship work days and assisting with preserve acquisition projects, and was hired later that year. Steve’s primary focus is working with landowners on conservation easement and land acquisition projects, and managing the easement stewardship program. He earned a B.S. degree in Water Resources/Water Chemistry and a M.S. degree in Natural Resources from UW-Stevens Point. Following graduation, Steve spent nearly 20 years in the environmental consulting field investigating and remediating soil and groundwater contamination. He holds Professional Hydrologist and Professional Soil Scientist licenses in Wisconsin.
Ryan Wallin, Stewardship Director
Ryan Wallin joined the OWLT team in early 2016. Ryan graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management. Later, he earned a graduate degree with honors in Environmental Policy and Management, with a fish and wildlife management emphasis.
As a native to southeastern Wisconsin, Ryan returned to the state after spending several years in the state of Washington. There, he worked for the Washington State DNR as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist. He oversaw timber harvest activities on public lands and required him to get involved with scientific research design, endangered species processes, habitat conservation and land management plans, habitat inventory and analysis, geographic information systems, forest health, silviculture, and landscape level management regimes.
Kelly Moore Brands, Community Conservation Director
In her role as Community Conservation Director, Kelly works with others to make Milwaukee’s green and blue spaces more equitable, just and biologically diverse. She has previously worked on restoration, revitalization and green infrastructure projects that improved environmental conditions on Milwaukee’s south side and in Milwaukee’s food justice community, helping people grow their own food. She holds degrees in Conservation Biology and International Environmental Policy and loves kayaking Milwaukee’s three rivers.
Katie Weber Parillo, Program Manager
Katie started with OWLT in the summer of 2011 directing work crews and soon moved into the office working on grant proposals, land management plans and plant research. Katie also develops baseline reports and coordinates the volunteer easement monitoring program for our land protection program.
Katie graduated from University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Katie enjoys wandering around Restoring Lands properties identifying plants and photographing our beautiful landscape.
Josh Schlicht, Stewardship Manager
Josh Schlicht is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he majored in both Wildlife Ecology and Biology. He is a West Bend native, an outdoor enthusiast and an avid bird watcher. At Restoring Lands, Josh works in the stewardship department where he helps manage and enhance our preserves for native wildlife and plant communities.
Chistine Bohn, Restoration Manager
Christine joined the OWLT crew in the Fall of 2014. She grew up in northern Washington County and enjoys spending time in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Her time in this area and other travel experiences cultivated her passion and respect for plants and nature. She graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a degree in Conservation and Environmental Science. Christine works in the stewardship department helping to manage and enhance our preserves.
Dave Sedlacek, Grounds Manager
Dave is a Wisconsin native and a lifelong lover of nature. Since 2022, he has been outside each and every day helping to protect and restore the natural areas of Restoring Lands. Aside from work, Dave enjoys listening to music, cooking and spending time with wife Andi, son Mason and dog Pepper at their home in Cedarburg.
Catie Petralia, Communications & Outreach Manager
Catie has worked for Restoring Lands through the merger of River Revitalization Foundation and OWLT. Catie started as an AmeriCorps Public Ally in 2020, stayed on as a volunteer coordinator, and eventually landed in communications. She manages community outreach events, Restoring Lands’ digital presence, and all communications. Outside of work she enjoys exploring nature with her dog Cuda, hunting for mushrooms, dancing and community organizing.
Amanda Dietz, Office Manager
Amanda Dietz joined the Restoring Lands team in October 2024. She came with a strong and diverse work history. Amanda’s most recent position was in the property management industry, which allowed her to gain an understanding of the complexities managing properties brings and taught her the fundamentals of accounting. Amanda is excited to put her skills to use while working to help protect and maintain our preserves. She enjoys camping, hiking, and admiring all the beauty nature offers, so this position is very fitting.
Evan Stoll, Grants Manager
Evan’s bio is on the way!
Karina Gonzalez, Community Conservation Manager
Karina comes to Restoring Lands with 11 years of experience in the conservation field. Previously the Program Manager at Cream City Conservation Corps, she will now take on the role of Community Conservation Coordinator at Restoring Lands, where she’ll get to showcase her skills in youth development and community building.
She’s excited to meet this year’s youth interns and get to know them through various stewardship projects, and looks forward to being actively involved in team brainstorming sessions to maintain a strong relationship with the community.
Kira Dayton, Stewardship Coordinator
Kira Dayton is the Stewardship Coordinator for Restoring Lands, where she leads the Wildlife Monitoring Program and Community Science Initiative, supports volunteers, and oversees wildlife infrastructure across preserves including bird boxes, Purple Martin houses, and Kyle towers. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Conservation in Environmental Sciences from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she conducted senior research at the Cedarburg Bog focused on insects and birds. Kira has been with Restoring Lands for four years and is an avid birder who volunteers with Friends of Cedarburg Bog, Glacial Lakes Conservancy, the annual Riveredge Christmas Bird Count, and Snapshot Wisconsin. She is currently working toward her Access Birding Outing Leader certification, which teaches outing leaders how to design and lead accessible and inclusive bird outings for people with disabilities.
Camden Thomas, Field Coordinator
Camden Thomas graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in Conservation & Environmental Science with a minor in Biology. He has been working in the environmental field for his entire career with a wide range of experience doing invasive species control, flora and fauna surveys, planting native species, managing habitat for wildlife, operating heavy equipment and chainsaws, mapping, etc. He enjoys learning as much as he can about our native landscapes and how to manage them for both wildlife and people to enjoy. Outside of work he enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, birding, wood working, creating art, Playing instruments, swimming in Lake Michigan, and spending time with his partner Kali.
Gabby Dahl, Land Steward
Gabby is a Land Steward for Restoring Lands. She started fishing at 4 years old and grew up exploring the outdoors. Gabby grew up loving storms and tornadoes, and remembers running outside during the St. Francis tornado of 2000.
She has a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation & Environmental Science with a minor in Biology. She graduated in 2025 with her Master’s in Environmental Policy & Management/Fish & Wildlife, where she primarily focused her studies on habitat management, environmental law, and carnivore ecology. She has a certificate in Wildlife Capture & Chemical Immobilization from the Wildlife Science Center, where she gained hands-on experience with the capture and sedation of wolves, cougars, and black bears.
In the past, Gabby volunteered the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, participating in the WI Frog & Toad Survey, Bat Monitoring, and Snapshot Wisconsin. She was a volunteer board member for the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change with Operation Fresh Start, to collaborate on a Civilian Climate Corps Plan. Currently, she volunteers with the Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance on education and outreach regarding wildlife welfare/management.
Morgan Kramer, Land Steward
Morgan Kramer is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities with her degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior and a minor in Anthropology. Kayaking in the Milwaukee river as a kid helped foster her love for the outdoors and her drive to care for the environment. She currently volunteers with Milwaukee Riverkeeper and Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. Morgan also enjoys playing board and card games with her friends, baking new recipes, taking photos, and painting scenes from nature.
Josey Schanen, Land Steward
Josey Schanen is a graduate of Northland College where he majored in both Natural Resources and Water Science. He lives on a horse stable with his family of five, three dogs, and over three dozen horses. Outside of work, he enjoys foraging, botanical and mycological explorations, cooking special meals for his family, reading, and fishing. Josey works in the Grounds department where he assists in the maintenance of preserves for ecological and aesthetic goals and for accessibility to the public.
Peyton Gitzlaff, Grounds Steward
Peyton is a Wisconsin native and avid outdoorsman enjoying fishing, hunting, camping and hiking. Peyton is a graduate of the the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Management. As part of the grounds team at restoring lands, he is dedicated to helping protect and restore the natural areas of Restoring Lands.
Alex Moon, Restoration Technician
Moon’s work is grounded in a deep passion for native plants and botany, developed through hands-on experience in prairie restoration and establishment, native plant nursery management, and ecology research at Marquette University. Moon also completed the Wisconsin Master Naturalist certification, strengthening their personal commitment to lifelong learning, community science & engagement, and ecological stewardship. They also enjoy dabbling in many art forms, reading non-fiction, practicing yoga, hiking and rock climbing. Moon aims to bridge science and creativity; restoring landscapes, supporting wildlife habitat, and sharing the beauty and importance of native ecosystems through restoration, outreach and art.
Luna Sachse-Abresch, Restoration Technician
I am an ecological restorationist, poet, and artist who seeks to uplift the voices of the land, from substratum to sky. I believe in the loons’ call and the orbweavers’ work. The subversive act of noticing informs my restoration decisions and I feel immense privilege for the ability to take time to do so, something stolen from the working many. With this privilege, I feel a great responsibility to accurately respond to what I hear and wonder about what I don’t, adjusting my antennae as necessary. Another world is possible, let’s build it together!
Restoring Lands: a Wisconsin Land Trust is the result of a 2025 merger between the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust and the River Revitalization Foundation.
The Ozaukee Land Trust was created in 1992 by a group of local residents who were concerned about the rapid loss of natural areas and open spaces in their community. Conservation efforts were expanded into Washington County in 1997, and the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust was born.
River Revitalization Foundation, founded in 1994 as Wisconsin’s only urban rivers land trust, spearheaded the creation of the Milwaukee River Greenway.