Please join us in welcoming our newest staff member, Astrid Wielens, to Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG) as our Office Manager! We are excited to work with Astrid as she spearheads our administrative work to build our capacity and improve existing systems.

Executive Director Jill Eldredge said, “MMRG is excited to take this important next step in growing our capacity by hiring Astrid. We are thrilled for her to join our team and know she will be a true asset. We feel that her depth of experience, knowledge of non-profit management and thoughtfulness will assist us in building the kinds of processes needed to achieve our mission.”

Astrid comes to MMRG with extensive experience in nonprofit management. She was the founder and Executive Director of Zebra Crossings in Dover, NH, a local nonprofit which provides year-round, specialty programs for children with medical conditions. While participating in the 2015 class of Leadership Seacoast, a program engaging community members in issues that affect their region, she grew interested in the environmental topics presented, particularly land conservation. After deciding on a career change to work in conservation, she soon discovered Moose Mountains Regional Greenways.

In her new role at MMRG, Astrid is most excited for the wide variety of responsibilities she will carry out to support the organization’s mission while learning about land conservation. She also looks forward to opportunities to meet the local community and members that MMRG engages, and recently attended this year’s Woods, Water and Wildlife Festival.

“Being part of the Woods, Water and Wildlife Festival in my first month, was a great experience to connect with passionate volunteers, landowners and the community,” she said.

Although she grew up in the Netherlands, Astrid came to New Hampshire for a year abroad as a young adult and quickly fell in love with the state’s natural beauty, saying, “we live in a beautiful region and I love the diversity it offers.” As an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, Astrid spends much of her free time in nature. She enjoys all kinds of outdoor recreation, including snowshoeing in the Moose Mountains, as well as biking and kayaking. Her goal this year is to spend more time with family and friends while learning new cooking skills and attending live performances by local artists.

We are thrilled to add Astrid to our team, and know that her many skills and lengthy experience will help the organization build new projects, events, and experiences. Welcome to MMRG!