KEENE VALLEY—After almost five years as director of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, Tammara Van Ryn is retiring on Aug. 30.

APIPP’s roots go back to 1998, when The Nature Conservancy partnered with the state Department of Transportation, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and Adirondack Park Agency to survey terrestrial invasives species threatening wildlife habitat in the Adirondack Park. APIPP’s work expanded to surveying Adirondack waterbodies for aquatic invasive species a few years later.

Van Ryn said that legacy provided a solid foundation to build upon when she assumed the director role in December 2019.

“The data collected over more than 25 years of monitoring has helped APIPP and its more than 30 partners successfully reduce the impact of invasive species to the Adirondack region’s lands, waters, and communities,” said Van Ryn.

Today more than 75 percent of Adirondack lakes remain free of aquatic invasive species, and invasive plants have not returned on more than 64 percent of the sites APIPP has managed for terrestrial invasive species.

In addition to advancing terrestrial and aquatic invasive species education, monitoring, management, and research, during Van Ryn’s tenure APIPP adopted a new strategic plan, secured a new five-year contract with the DEC, and expanded its partnerships and volunteer force.

Van Ryn noted that she is most proud of APIPP’s expanded role in the fight against forest pests.

“As a forester, the work APIPP has been able to do to combat emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, and beech leaf disease has been some of the most rewarding work of my career,” said Van Ryn.

Prior to joining The Nature Conservancy staff, Van Ryn served as the founding executive director of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Established in 2006, this national program ensures excellence, trust, and permanence in private land conservation.

Today, accredited land trusts hold 84% of lands and easements held by land trusts, more than 51 million acres of land.

“I am deeply appreciative of the joy I have had working with an incredible team, amazing partners, and inspiring volunteers, and for the opportunity to learn new things about our natural environment every day,” said Van Ryn.

Van Ryn, who lives in Saranac Lake, looks forward to continuing to be involved in Adirondack conservation efforts and being engaged with local community organizations. You may see her on the trails as one of APIPP’s volunteer Forest Pest Hunters.