Supervisors:
Don Markie, Co-Chair. Don served for over 30 years as a school teacher/school counselor/administrator at Mill River Union High School, located in North Clarendon and continues to work part time in the Mill River school as the Drop Out Prevention Coordinator. Don lives in West Haven, Vermont and raises grass fed, natural beef on his farm. In addition to his farming operation, Don operates JAMY Farm Property Management which aims to provide housing needs for previously homeless adults and at-risk adults.
Ashley Fioretti, Treasurer. Ashley owns Little Flower Farm, a small organic vegetable farm in Middletown Springs, VT. Ashley has a background in education and runs a farm to school program at the local elementary school.
Natalie Coe, Supervisor. Natalie holds her PhD in Biochemistry from University of Minnesota and is a former professor at Green Mountain College. Natalie resides in Fair Haven VT and currently teaches science at Long Trail School. After studying medical disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and schizophrenia, her research now focuses on plant disease in connection with local species genetics.
Rene Navarrete, Supervisor. Rene has a background in horticulture and owns and operates a landscaping business, Evergreen Designs. Rene resides in Pawlet VT.
Katy Crumley, Supervisor. Katy is the former Bennington County Conservation District Manager. She joined the board in September 2021 and has a background in water quality, forest and wildlife management.
Staff:
Hilary Solomon, MEM, Manager, Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District
Hilary@pmnrcd.org, or (802) 558-3515
Hilary graduated from Duke University with a Master’s Degree in Water Resources and worked for the Ohio EPA and Ross County SWCD for three years, before moving to Vermont. She worked as the watershed coordinator for the Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership from 2004-2008, and returned to the District in 2012 as the Water Quality Specialist. In 2014, Hilary became the District Manager for PMNRCD.
Jennifer Durham Alexander, Agronomy Outreach Professional
Jennifer@pmnrcd.org, or (802) 558-6470
Jennifer grew up on a small dairy farm in Hampton, NY. She graduated from Castleton State with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Natural Science and a minor in Business. In addition to twelve years of experience working with agricultural producers, she has 15 years of experience in customer service and eight years of experience in the horticultural industry. Jennifer has also worked for the Agency of Natural Resources in the Water Quality Division. Through the District, she has worked with landowners engaged in agricultural pursuits since 2005.
Sadie Brown, Nursery Manager and Environmental Planner
sadie@pmnrcd.org, or (802) 287-0710
Sadie is a local resident and grew up on a small farm and vineyard in Poultney, VT. She graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with Bachelors of Science degrees in Ecology and Environmental Science and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Environmental Planning & Management. Sadie utilizes her experience in horticulture, agriculture and science based planning in her position at PMNRCD.
Rachael Burt, Agricultural Outreach Specialist
rachael@pmnrcd.org, or (518) 645-6671
Rachael participated in the Vermont Technical College and University of Vermont Farms 2+2 Program, graduating with an Associates in Dairy Herd Management and a Bachelor of Animal Science. She is currently an adjunct professor at Vermont Technical College in the Agriculture Department.
