Volume 29 Issue 2, Spring 2024

After nearly six eventful years with Loudoun Wildlife, Michael Myers has packed up to pursue new adventures in a different landscape. He and his family are relocating to Lake Tahoe, California, where Michael will serve as executive director of the nonprofit Sierra State Parks Foundation.

“It’s hard to describe the huge impact Michael has made throughout his time with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy,” said Jim McWalters, president of the Loudoun Wildlife Board of Directors. “His passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm helped the organization grow and accomplish many things. We thank Michael for being such an inspirational and motivating force for the organization. He will be sorely missed. We wish him and his family all the best.”

As he wraps up his tenure here, Michael (MM) agreed to an exit interview with the Habitat Herald’s (HH) editorial staff.

HH: What do you see as Loudoun Wildlife’s greatest achievements during your time as executive director?

Michael Myers at JK Black Oak, ready to lend a hand with maintenance of tree cages that protect native saplings planted there. Photo by Gerco Hoogeweg

MM: It’s hard to pick which accomplishments might be the “greatest.” We’ve accomplished a lot over the last nearly six years. We’ve started an endowment, published fantastic books, had record numbers of participants at many of our programs, increased our membership and number of volunteers, and built a stronger foundation than ever for our organization.

One of the things that I’m most proud of is our work at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary. During my time here, our members stepped up to get us over the hump to purchase the property; we’ve assembled a great team of volunteers to manage the property; and we’ve developed, and are implementing, a thoughtful management plan. Amidst all of that, one thing that sticks out is the ecological discoveries made there by our volunteers — from Northern Long-Eared Bats (a federally endangered species) to irruptive breeding of Eastern Spadefoot toads to so many other unique discoveries. The more we study this property, the more we find out how truly unique it is. It’s an honor to be associated with protecting and preserving this property.

HH: What were the greatest challenges during your tenure?

MM: The obvious answer is navigating through Covid, and I’m very proud of how we were able to adapt, pivot, and come out a stronger organization. It’s a testament to the resilience and dedication of our members and volunteers, and I cannot thank our people enough for their hard work during the last few years.

HH: What do you think will be the greatest challenges to Loudoun Wildlife and to Loudoun County going forward?

MM: The greatest challenges to Loudoun County remain the same as they were when Loudoun Wildlife was founded — habitat loss is happening at an alarming rate. Currently, that is being expressed in not only the ever-growing data center industry, but also in the collateral impacts of the infrastructure needed to supply power to that industry — aka transmission lines, which are being located in some of the only remaining green spaces in eastern Loudoun since those are the only remaining places that don’t have buildings. And now we’re seeing proposals for new lines transecting the western part of our county as well. When Charles Yudd recently retired from Loudoun County staff, he identified the data center industry as the greatest land use challenge that Loudoun will face, and he’s right.

For Loudoun Wildlife, our challenges also remain similar to when we were founded — how do we reach more people? We are continuing to grow and evolve as an organization, and at the same time, Loudoun County has grown exponentially. While exponential growth isn’t necessarily sustainable for our volunteer-driven programs, there is a huge opportunity for growing our membership and engaging and educating more people. How to successfully do that is a constant challenge for a small organization.

HH: When development interests clash with conservation concerns, many people believe that money talks louder than grassroots advocacy. Do you find that to be so? And are there strategies that groups like Loudoun Wildlife can use to win these fights, or at least be sure that their concerns are heard?

Myers has been a member of the Fully Palmated Birders team (from left, Michael Sciortino, Michael Myers, Mike Scott, and John Denice), which won the “Most Species Award” during the 2023 Birdathon. Photo by Michael Sciortino

MM: Yes and no. One great recent example of grassroots advocacy is the Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance. That grassroots effort has brought together over 35 HOAs representing over 200,000
residents, and they have gotten the attention of the Board of Supervisors to provide funding to study how the county can help combat this issue. And, they are keeping the momentum going to advocate for funding to implement strategies outlined in this future study. The power of people to organize still gets the attention of elected officials. We, and other nonprofit partners, were able to provide technical support and advice in the background to help with this effort.

One of the challenges is to motivate and engage a critical mass of people to move the needle on the multitude of threats that the environment is constantly facing — which is tougher at the micro-level of individual applications. Although it doesn’t always feel like it, we are making a difference, and we are moving the needle. For instance, during the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite process, nonprofit members of the conservation and preservation community (Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition members) were invited to the table to provide feedback as a stakeholder group. The Belmont Innovation Campus application is one that shows that individuals’ voices can make a difference to achieve better outcomes. Our concerns are being heard, and it’s up to us to organize and engage the public (and keep our seat at the table), so that we can have a greater impact on the macro and micro levels.

HH: What do you think you’ll miss most when you leave?

MM: I’ll miss the people most of all. Loudoun Wildlife has incredibly passionate and knowledgeable people who make our success possible, and they are what make Loudoun Wildlife so special. I’ve grown and learned so much both personally and professionally during my time here, and Loudoun has a special place in my heart. Of course, I’ll also miss all of the cool wildlife, various habitat zones, and the natural areas that make Loudoun a great place to live.

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