Volume 25 Issue 4, Fall 2020

by Kim Strader, Volunteer Coordinator

The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy inspires, motivates, and engages people to protect, preserve, and restore wildlife habitat. Many of our volunteers naturally gravitate to one or two of these mission areas, while a few seem to embody them all. Allison Gallo is one of those who embodies them all! Her knowledge, experience, and desire to help others learn is evident in her actions.

Allison’s interests lie in all things that fly—birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies—and the habitat needed to support them. Allison is always willing to lend a helping hand and assist in many Loudoun Wildlife program areas. Her vision and thoughtful insight is always appreciated, as well as her ability to gather the people and resources needed to build upon and improve the Conservancy as a whole.

Along with her husband, Bryan Henson, Allison leads a regular monthly bird walk at Bles Park in Ashburn. The couple also created a video about dragonflies and damselflies and another about JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary, both of which can be viewed on the Loudoun Wildlife YouTube Channel. Allison is the team leader for the “Gone Pishing” Birdathon Team.

Allison assists Butterfly Count Coordinator Anne Ellis in organizing the Annual Butterfly Count that takes place each August. One contribution she has made to the program is working with fellow volunteer Gerco Hoogeweg to create an ArcGIS Map for the count, allowing them to better pinpoint the areas of coverage. Allison and husband Bryan lead the Butterfly Count team in Leesburg.

In addition, Allison is active behind the scenes as a member of the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Board, where she assists with fundraising, governance, strategic planning, and with planning for the Conservancy’s recent 25th Anniversary Celebration. She is also a JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary Committee member.

Loudoun Wildlife is fortunate to have many dedicated and passionate volunteers, so choosing one to honor as Volunteer of the Quarter is always difficult. This quarter was no exception, but Allison Gallo stands out among the crowd! Many thanks to Allison for bringing the Conservancy’s vision to life in all that she does by creating a place where people and wildlife thrive!

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