Release Date: March 29, 2022

Bedford Hills, NY—Westchester Land Trust (WLT), a nationally accredited land conservation nonprofit headquartered in Bedford Hills, NY, announced two new appointments to its Board of Directors; Carine Verschueren, of Larchmont, and Matt Young, of Bedford Hills. Verschueren and Young will use their professional insights and personal passions to support WLT’s efforts to protect land, increase access to the outdoors, and strengthen local food systems.

“Our leadership team is so pleased to welcome Carine and Matt to the Westchester Land Trust community,” said Bruce Churchill, Chairman of WLT’s Board. “Their support and valuable experience in education, policy, communications, and advertising will help us on our journey to expand our impact and connect with more people across our service area.”

Carine Verschueren is a resident of Larchmont and adjunct professor in the international and comparative education program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her work focuses on the ways policy initiatives in public schools can foster a sense of environmentalism and sustainability with regards to responsible and equitable use of natural resources. Verschueren also trained as an environmental educator at the Sheldrake Environmental Center in Larchmont. She looks forward to working with the leadership team to ensure more vulnerable populations have access to green spaces and initiatives, as well as expanding environmental education for all ages.

“I am excited to join a committed group of people at WLT and hope to bolster their efforts through education and local advocacy efforts to influence policy-making and foster smart land conservation,” said Carine Verschueren. “Facing climate change and loss of biodiversity, these efforts help offset greenhouse gas emissions and preserve wildlife habitats. They also hold the promise of clean air and water as well as a connection to nature especially for communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities.”

Matt Young is a resident of Bedford Hills and chief revenue officer at Recurrent Ventures, Inc, a digital media company that includes Field & Stream, Futurism, Outdoor Life, and Popular Science. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the advertising, sports, and technology sectors. Young and his family are members of the Rusticus Garden Club and the Bedford Riding Lanes Association, and supporters of Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship and the Westmoreland Sanctuary. He is eager to share his marketing, advertising, and communication insights with the leadership team to increase awareness of WLT, engage new audiences, and garner investment in the organization’s work.

“I’m excited and honored to join the board of the Westchester Land Trust,” said Matt Young. “I’m passionate about sustainability and a lifelong outdoorsman and am looking forward to accelerating the awareness and the progress of Westchester Land Trust through my professional background in marketing and communications.”
Verschueren and Young will work alongside other members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Board to serve as the governing bodies of the organization, overseeing policies, fiscal and strategic planning, and supporting WLT’s commitment to creating a brighter future.