Land trust accreditation review specialist supports communities across country

Megan Chapman, Ohio University Master of Science in Environmental Studies (MSES) program graduate, describes her "whirlwind" of experiences at the university as fulfilling, positively overwhelming and memorable. 

The MSES program at OHIO's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service offers hands-on opportunities and adaptive learning environments for students to gain skills catered to their profession. 

For Chapman, working in the land conservation field was always the goal. 

"OU and the Voinovich School allowed me the educational freedom to explore that notion and the encouragement to really make my degree my own," Chapman said. 

In addition, as a graduate research student, Chapman worked for the Appalachia Ohio Zero Waste initiative, a "multifaceted" Voinovich School project that encourages "waste reduction and diversion." 

"Working on the Zero Waste Initiative has forever changed the way I view trash," Chapman said. "I strive to leave as little of an impact on the planet as possible and am an avid composter." 

Chapman also spent time volunteering for the Athens Conservancy and worked with the Appalachia Ohio Alliance to complete her leadership practicum. 

"Working with the land trusts solidified my desire to continue in the land conservation field after graduation, seeing first-hand how a small group of people can radiate so much hope and affect so much positive change on the world around them," Chapman said. 

Chapman received the 2013 Voinovich School Overall Outstanding Student Award and following graduation, lived in Athens for the summer, working for the Voinovich School. She took a land protection specialist job in Western Ohio for two years before getting the opportunity to work for a local land trust near her hometown, in New Hampshire. 

Chapman now works as a review specialist for the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. 

"I have the privilege of working remotely for a national organization that awards accreditation to 'land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence,'" Chapman said. 

She is on a 10-member team that works from different areas across the country and is governed by a board of volunteer commissioners. 

"(We) review applications for accreditation and renewal of accreditation from land trusts ranging in size from one-town volunteer groups to large national groups," Chapman said. 

As Chapman continues with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, she is reminded of the valuable lessons learned at OHIO and the impact she is making in communities. 

"There are over 470 accredited land trusts across the country and each one is striving every day to make their corner of the world a better place, whether that be by protecting productive family farms, restoring wetlands, connecting forest blocks or supporting the outdoor education of today’s youth," Chapman said. "The work I do, while a small part of the larger conservation effort, helps to support and uplift these organizations so they can continue to do their great work that benefits us all."