Board of Directors
Rosanne Weir, President
Rosanne joined the OBI Land Trust Board of Directors in 2018. She retired from Jefferson Community College having worked for 40 years in Admissions and Enrollment Management. She brings a passion for marketing, event development and management to our all-volunteer board and established the OBI marketing committee.
Rosanne has spent summers on the shores of Lake Ontario in Hardscrabble Bay, an important raptor migration route and Grassland bird habitat. A longtime resident of Watertown, she spends the warmer months at Cape Vincent’s scenic Fuller Bay. Situated at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, it is an important migration route for waterfowl.
She was elected to a leadership role as interim vice-chairperson in November 2022 following the sudden loss of her husband, Jim LaPlante. He was the longest-serving leader of our non-profit organization and Rosanne often worked alongside him while doing the work of the land trust. Her continued work on behalf of our organization is a testament to their lasting legacy of commitment to land conservation. Rosanne enjoys the outdoors, and loves bike riding, hiking, and birding and outdoor adventures with friends and beloved grandchildren.
Rosanne has spent summers on the shores of Lake Ontario in Hardscrabble Bay, an important raptor migration route and Grassland bird habitat. A longtime resident of Watertown, she spends the warmer months at Cape Vincent’s scenic Fuller Bay. Situated at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, it is an important migration route for waterfowl.
She was elected to a leadership role as interim vice-chairperson in November 2022 following the sudden loss of her husband, Jim LaPlante. He was the longest-serving leader of our non-profit organization and Rosanne often worked alongside him while doing the work of the land trust. Her continued work on behalf of our organization is a testament to their lasting legacy of commitment to land conservation. Rosanne enjoys the outdoors, and loves bike riding, hiking, and birding and outdoor adventures with friends and beloved grandchildren.
Carrie Fleming, Vice President
What started as a childhood fascination with nature led Chaumont native Carrie Fleming to study and teach Biology and has also made her a perfect fit for her hometown land trust. Carrie joined OBI’s Board of Directors in August 2020 and was elected to a full two-year term at our annual meeting in April 2021. She was elected vice-chairperson in April 2022 and then was named Interim Chairperson in fall 2022.
Carrie’s expertise and enthusiasm has helped with OBI’s conservation work that includes marking trails, property inspections and investigating potential conservation opportunities in our service area. She is always quick to volunteer for field work.
“Preserving and protecting ecologically significant lands and also open spaces for wildlife is something that land trusts like OBI can do for communities and I’m hoping to help more conservation happen,” she said.
She attended Lyme Central School and is a 1997 graduate of the SUNY-ESF Ranger School in Wanakena, NY where she majored in forest technology. She received her Master’s in Education from SUNY Potsdam and was a biology instructor at Watertown High School for several years.
Carrie lives on Point Salubrious in Chaumont and enjoys many outdoor activities, including distance running, kayaking and snowshoeing.
Carrie’s expertise and enthusiasm has helped with OBI’s conservation work that includes marking trails, property inspections and investigating potential conservation opportunities in our service area. She is always quick to volunteer for field work.
“Preserving and protecting ecologically significant lands and also open spaces for wildlife is something that land trusts like OBI can do for communities and I’m hoping to help more conservation happen,” she said.
She attended Lyme Central School and is a 1997 graduate of the SUNY-ESF Ranger School in Wanakena, NY where she majored in forest technology. She received her Master’s in Education from SUNY Potsdam and was a biology instructor at Watertown High School for several years.
Carrie lives on Point Salubrious in Chaumont and enjoys many outdoor activities, including distance running, kayaking and snowshoeing.
Lee Ellsworth, Land Steward
Even if you have never met OBI Land Steward Lee Ellsworth, chances are you have seen his photographs. Lee’s stunning images – including landscapes, birds and plants – have been featured by OBI both on our website and in brochures. Lee’s photographs have also been among those featured in the silent auction at OBI’s annual fundraiser.
Nature photography became his passion in the 1970s. He has spent hundreds of hours in overgrown fields, pastures and rocky shorelines patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to capture local wildlife in its natural habitat. “I’m always looking for a good photograph” when out in the field, he said. “It’s just something I’ve always loved doing.”
Lee joined the OBI Board of Directors in February 2015 and then became vice-chairperson of OBI in 2016. His knowledge of our region’s different habitats - including the alvar - has helped with various aspects of our land trust. Lee has also been a volunteer for the Nature Conservancy for more than 20 years and is retired from a 30-year career as a lab director at the Watertown Water Treatment Plant. Lee and his wife, Cathie, are longtime Watertown residents. “Throughout my life, a goal of mine was to preserve open space. OBI allows me that opportunity,” he said.
Nature photography became his passion in the 1970s. He has spent hundreds of hours in overgrown fields, pastures and rocky shorelines patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to capture local wildlife in its natural habitat. “I’m always looking for a good photograph” when out in the field, he said. “It’s just something I’ve always loved doing.”
Lee joined the OBI Board of Directors in February 2015 and then became vice-chairperson of OBI in 2016. His knowledge of our region’s different habitats - including the alvar - has helped with various aspects of our land trust. Lee has also been a volunteer for the Nature Conservancy for more than 20 years and is retired from a 30-year career as a lab director at the Watertown Water Treatment Plant. Lee and his wife, Cathie, are longtime Watertown residents. “Throughout my life, a goal of mine was to preserve open space. OBI allows me that opportunity,” he said.
Joe Martin, Downybrook Land Steward
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While Joe Martin was lucky enough to be born and raised in Jefferson County, he was also fortunate enough to have lived for periods of time in Green Bay, Wisconsin and Elizabethtown, NY. While in Elizabethtown he worked on a survey crew in the Adirondacks which enhanced his love of wilderness.
He has always been an advocate for the out-of-doors as a sponsor of National Wild Turkey Federation, member of numerous fish and game clubs and as a volunteer hunter educator with the Department of Environmental Conservation. He is happy to volunteer with Ontario Bays Initiative Land Trust as a Land Steward and put his skills to work protecting and improving the land entrusted to OBI. |
Aileen Martin, Interim Treasurer
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Aileen Martin joined the OBI Land Trust Board 2024 and currently serves as the organizations interim Treasurer. For the past 10 years Aileen has served as the Executive Director of Northern Regional Center for Independent Living, Inc. (NRCIL) NRCIL is a professional peer-run organization working with people with disabilities while partnering with communities to advocate for accessibility and inclusion.
Aileen and her husband Joe spend a lot of time outdoors canoeing, fishing, hunting, hiking and XC skiing. She and Joe moved to Pamelia in 2020 and were so pleased to discover Downybrook just around the corner. This was her introduction to OBI Land Trust. She has assisted conservation efforts for many years as a supporting member of such organizations as The Nature Conservancy, Adirondack Council, and others. She is also an active participant in NYS DEC’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. As in her paid work, advocacy is a key component of her contributions to these organizations. |
Vicki Hanley, Secretary
Her education and life-long love of nature made Vicki Hanley a perfect fit for OBI. The Watertown resident was unanimously elected to the OBI Board of Directors in January 2018. Vicki also recently joined the OBI marketing committee.
“My parents and their friends had a love of the outdoors and we spent many days hiking and fishing,” she recalls of her summers spent in Inlet, located in the western Adirondacks.
Vicki has a degree in Wildlife Biology Management from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse.
She also worked nearly 30 years in finance, including the Bank of New York Mellon and NYNEX/Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages. Recent retirement is allowing her to spend more time fishing, hiking and helping OBI with its local conservation mission.
“My parents and their friends had a love of the outdoors and we spent many days hiking and fishing,” she recalls of her summers spent in Inlet, located in the western Adirondacks.
Vicki has a degree in Wildlife Biology Management from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse.
She also worked nearly 30 years in finance, including the Bank of New York Mellon and NYNEX/Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages. Recent retirement is allowing her to spend more time fishing, hiking and helping OBI with its local conservation mission.
Tracy Valentine, Editor & Historian
For the last 13 years, Tracy Valentine is a Chaumont native who has served on the OBI Land Trust Board of Directors. She attended a monthly board meeting back in 2006 to find out more about what land trusts do, but never expecting that it would turn into such a long commitment to OBI.
“I have been involved for so many years because I saw that OBI has something special to offer,” she said. “I quickly saw the special and important role our land trust serves in providing a path for people to preserve the places they love that have special meaning and in many cases have been in their families for decades.”
She worked as a journalist for more than 20 years – including several years as a reporter for the Watertown Daily Times – and her service with OBI has included lots of writing.
Tracy is editor of the OBI newsletter and creates contents for brochures and advertisements. Tracy served 8 years as OBI Secretary and currently serves on the marketing committee.
Tracy’s family has deep roots in the town of Lyme, particularly on scenic Point Salubrious in Chaumont. She and her husband, Edward - also a Chaumont native - live in Watertown and have four children. Other than writing, Tracy enjoys outdoor exercise, kickboxing class and cooking. She is a member of the Lyme Book Club and serves on the Board of Directors for the Samaritan Summit Village, Watertown.
“I have been involved for so many years because I saw that OBI has something special to offer,” she said. “I quickly saw the special and important role our land trust serves in providing a path for people to preserve the places they love that have special meaning and in many cases have been in their families for decades.”
She worked as a journalist for more than 20 years – including several years as a reporter for the Watertown Daily Times – and her service with OBI has included lots of writing.
Tracy is editor of the OBI newsletter and creates contents for brochures and advertisements. Tracy served 8 years as OBI Secretary and currently serves on the marketing committee.
Tracy’s family has deep roots in the town of Lyme, particularly on scenic Point Salubrious in Chaumont. She and her husband, Edward - also a Chaumont native - live in Watertown and have four children. Other than writing, Tracy enjoys outdoor exercise, kickboxing class and cooking. She is a member of the Lyme Book Club and serves on the Board of Directors for the Samaritan Summit Village, Watertown.
Joel Block
OBI Board Member Joel Block never turns down a volunteer job that takes him outdoors and into nature. He often pulls on a pair of work boots and tags along with our land steward for a day’s work – clearing nature trails, seeking out invasive plants or trudging through forest and grassland during annual property inspections.
You would never suspect he might be from the city -- until he starts talking. His Bronx, NY accent is a dead giveaway.
Joel comes to us as a retired administrator at LaGuardia Community College, one of City University of New York’s 23 campuses. Growing up across the street from the Bronx Botanical Gardens and a stone’s throw from the Bronx Zoo, he was exposed to the wonders of the natural world, something one doesn’t usually expect from a “city boy.”
“Too many people from outside the city fail to realize the vast variety of flora and fauna that thrive in city woodlands. I’ve had raccoons, rabbits and an opossum in my garden in Flushing, Queens, and have seen deer, foxes and coyotes too in the city parks,” said Joel.
Joel and his partner, Judith McGaughey, have lived on scenic Point Salubrious in Chaumont since 2007. They love hiking, biking, sailing and skiing.
Joel has been a member of the OBI’s all-volunteer board for nearly 10 years. He joined because he wanted to be involved in a homegrown land trust that works to protect land for future generations. “I feel very honored to be a part of OBI and to see all the wonderful work we’ve done,” said Joel. “What especially appeals to me is the opportunity for expanding land conservation here in the North Country.”
You would never suspect he might be from the city -- until he starts talking. His Bronx, NY accent is a dead giveaway.
Joel comes to us as a retired administrator at LaGuardia Community College, one of City University of New York’s 23 campuses. Growing up across the street from the Bronx Botanical Gardens and a stone’s throw from the Bronx Zoo, he was exposed to the wonders of the natural world, something one doesn’t usually expect from a “city boy.”
“Too many people from outside the city fail to realize the vast variety of flora and fauna that thrive in city woodlands. I’ve had raccoons, rabbits and an opossum in my garden in Flushing, Queens, and have seen deer, foxes and coyotes too in the city parks,” said Joel.
Joel and his partner, Judith McGaughey, have lived on scenic Point Salubrious in Chaumont since 2007. They love hiking, biking, sailing and skiing.
Joel has been a member of the OBI’s all-volunteer board for nearly 10 years. He joined because he wanted to be involved in a homegrown land trust that works to protect land for future generations. “I feel very honored to be a part of OBI and to see all the wonderful work we’ve done,” said Joel. “What especially appeals to me is the opportunity for expanding land conservation here in the North Country.”
Robin Caprara
Robin Caprara was elected to a two-year term on the OBI Board of Directors at the April 2023 annual meeting of the OBI Board of Directors. She spent a lot of time outdoors while growing up in the Watertown area and always had an appreciation for the natural beauty of the north country. Many weekends were spent exploring the woods, ponds, creeks and reservoirs around her aunt and uncle’s Adirondack camp at Little Kildare.
Now she shares her love of nature with her grandchildren, taking them on short hikes and picnics in scenic spots. Photography is her passion and she spends lots of free time capturing images of birds of prey and other larger birds, including Great Blue Heron and various species of ducks.
“I’m really looking forward to helping make a difference working with OBI Land Trust and preserving what we have here in the north country,” said Robin. “I love nature and being outside so this is a great fit for me.”
Robin spends summer weekends camping in her family’s restored 1969 Airstream. She also enjoys bike riding and kayaking.
Now she shares her love of nature with her grandchildren, taking them on short hikes and picnics in scenic spots. Photography is her passion and she spends lots of free time capturing images of birds of prey and other larger birds, including Great Blue Heron and various species of ducks.
“I’m really looking forward to helping make a difference working with OBI Land Trust and preserving what we have here in the north country,” said Robin. “I love nature and being outside so this is a great fit for me.”
Robin spends summer weekends camping in her family’s restored 1969 Airstream. She also enjoys bike riding and kayaking.
Barbara Donaldson
Barbara Donaldson is a lifelong Chaumont resident who joined the all-volunteer OBI Board of Directors in February 2023. Barb spends several months a year at her cottage on Point Peninsula. She enjoys lots of outdoor activities, including boating, biking and golfing. Her professional background includes many years working in the insurance industry and a decade as a financial assistant. Barb’s work with OBI will include securing new conservation easements and she will also serve as an assistant treasurer.
Marie Smith
Her interest in birds and the outdoors first led retired registered nurse Marie Smith to join OBI Land Trust as a volunteer at Downybrook Nature Reserve, Brownville.
She and husband, John, have been monitoring the bluebird boxes at OBI’s 180-acre nature reserve for the past three years. Marie joined the Board of Directors of OBI Land Trust in November 2022. A longtime resident of Brownville, she spent a 41-year career in nursing. Both she and her husband are retired from Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.
Marie brings to OBI an enthusiasm for our land conservation mission as well as interest in spending time in the field. She and her husband are longtime members of the North Country Bird Club and their dedication to the nest boxes at Downybrook has helped to encourage more Bluebird activity there.
It also led her to appreciate the important role of OBI in protecting special property for future generations.
“As I found out more about this great organization and what they do to help landowners to preserve the beautiful Lake Ontario habitat, I became more intrigued,” said Marie. “I have always had an appreciation for nature and spending time outdoors is a powerful way to recharge ourselves and clear our minds.”
The Smiths spend summers at their cottage on Pillar Point. They love boating, birding, reading, cooking and enjoying family and friends.
She and husband, John, have been monitoring the bluebird boxes at OBI’s 180-acre nature reserve for the past three years. Marie joined the Board of Directors of OBI Land Trust in November 2022. A longtime resident of Brownville, she spent a 41-year career in nursing. Both she and her husband are retired from Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.
Marie brings to OBI an enthusiasm for our land conservation mission as well as interest in spending time in the field. She and her husband are longtime members of the North Country Bird Club and their dedication to the nest boxes at Downybrook has helped to encourage more Bluebird activity there.
It also led her to appreciate the important role of OBI in protecting special property for future generations.
“As I found out more about this great organization and what they do to help landowners to preserve the beautiful Lake Ontario habitat, I became more intrigued,” said Marie. “I have always had an appreciation for nature and spending time outdoors is a powerful way to recharge ourselves and clear our minds.”
The Smiths spend summers at their cottage on Pillar Point. They love boating, birding, reading, cooking and enjoying family and friends.
Susan J. Tontarski
Susan joined the board in June 2023 and provides assistance in maintaining OBI’s website and presence on social media platforms.
Susan is a Watertown native who had a successful career as an Event and Web Specialist at Rochester Institute of Technology.
She and her husband Dave, a nature photographer, enjoyed spending long weekends at their Chaumont cottage for many years before moving from Rochester in 2019. The couple built their retirement home on the same shoreline property where Dave’s family had a summer cottage for more than 50 years.
Her technical skills and interest in our conservation mission made her a wonderful fit for our all-volunteer land trust. “I love what OBI does and I would like to continue to support the organization. I look forward to hiking their trails and helping out wherever I can,” Susan said.
She enjoys sailing, hiking, tennis, playing bridge and taking photos and posting often to several Facebook pages. She has an eye for detail and design and also enjoys creating logos and banners.
Susan is an active member of several other local groups, including Lyme Free Library, Lyme Performing Arts Council, Lyme Garden Club and Lyme Community Foundation, and a women’s hiking club.
Susan is a Watertown native who had a successful career as an Event and Web Specialist at Rochester Institute of Technology.
She and her husband Dave, a nature photographer, enjoyed spending long weekends at their Chaumont cottage for many years before moving from Rochester in 2019. The couple built their retirement home on the same shoreline property where Dave’s family had a summer cottage for more than 50 years.
Her technical skills and interest in our conservation mission made her a wonderful fit for our all-volunteer land trust. “I love what OBI does and I would like to continue to support the organization. I look forward to hiking their trails and helping out wherever I can,” Susan said.
She enjoys sailing, hiking, tennis, playing bridge and taking photos and posting often to several Facebook pages. She has an eye for detail and design and also enjoys creating logos and banners.
Susan is an active member of several other local groups, including Lyme Free Library, Lyme Performing Arts Council, Lyme Garden Club and Lyme Community Foundation, and a women’s hiking club.
Emeritus
Jim LaPlante (1947-2022)
As the longest serving leader of OBI Land Trust, Jim LaPlante has left a legacy of commitment that is a lasting inspiration for our all-volunteer organization.
Jim died suddenly and unexpectedly on November 7, 2022. He joined OBI Land Trust in 2006 and quickly became one of those special people whose passion for OBI and the mission of land conservation was truly an inspiration. Both at events and behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly as a volunteer for OBI as if he was earning a nice paycheck.
Jim was elected chairman of OBI’s Board of Directors in 2010 and was re-elected annually, making him the longest-serving chairman of our non-profit organization. Under his leadership, OBI had great success with securing key grant funds and protecting ecologically significant land and open space.
He was a successful businessman, a family man and talented nature photographer.
Jim was the creator of the “Friends of OBI” program, an annual membership program. Donations from “friends” have been vital to our land trust’s success and a key source of operating funds for our all-volunteer land trust.
Jim will be remembered as perhaps the finest friend that OBI Land Trust ever has known.
Jim died suddenly and unexpectedly on November 7, 2022. He joined OBI Land Trust in 2006 and quickly became one of those special people whose passion for OBI and the mission of land conservation was truly an inspiration. Both at events and behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly as a volunteer for OBI as if he was earning a nice paycheck.
Jim was elected chairman of OBI’s Board of Directors in 2010 and was re-elected annually, making him the longest-serving chairman of our non-profit organization. Under his leadership, OBI had great success with securing key grant funds and protecting ecologically significant land and open space.
He was a successful businessman, a family man and talented nature photographer.
Jim was the creator of the “Friends of OBI” program, an annual membership program. Donations from “friends” have been vital to our land trust’s success and a key source of operating funds for our all-volunteer land trust.
Jim will be remembered as perhaps the finest friend that OBI Land Trust ever has known.
Emeritus
Urban Hirschey (1938-2022) & Sally Hirschey (1939-2020)
Sally and Urban Hirschey were dedicated to the mission of OBI Land Trust for nearly two decades. Sally devoted 19 years of service to OBI’s Board of Directors and helped guide our all-volunteer land trust with enthusiasm and a common-sense approach. She and Urban were community leaders and generously hosted many events for OBI at their beautiful waterfront home in Cape Vincent. Urban joined OBI’s Board of Directors in 2016.
They left the area in 2018 and their parting gift to OBI was $10,000 in matching funds that helped OBI win a grant from the Land Trust Alliance in spring 2018 to fund education, marketing and outreach that helped propel us forward toward new goals.
Sally and Urban became OBI’s first Emeritus members of our Board of Directors in 2018. That same year, the couple was honored with a Citation from the New York State Assembly at OBI’s annual fundraiser, which celebrated their remarkable devotion to OBI and other local causes.
They left the area in 2018 and their parting gift to OBI was $10,000 in matching funds that helped OBI win a grant from the Land Trust Alliance in spring 2018 to fund education, marketing and outreach that helped propel us forward toward new goals.
Sally and Urban became OBI’s first Emeritus members of our Board of Directors in 2018. That same year, the couple was honored with a Citation from the New York State Assembly at OBI’s annual fundraiser, which celebrated their remarkable devotion to OBI and other local causes.
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Board of Directors 25th Anniversary Celebration 2018 photo by Lee Ellsworth |
