GREAT MOUNTAIN FOREST STAFF

Mike Zarfos

Russell M. Russ

Russell Russ, a 1987 graduate of SUNY ESF with a bachelor’s degree in Forest Resources Management, began his employment at Great Mountain Forest in 1984 as a student forester working on the summer crew. After graduation he briefly worked for the Connecticut Division of Forestry and then spent many years working in the landscape and building construction industries. In a career change that brought him back to the profession and lifestyle where he is deeply rooted he joined the full-time staff of Great Mountain Forest in 2001. Russell now holds the position of forester/weatherman. He is responsible for recording and monitoring daily weather activities for GMF and for the National Weather Service – a position formerly held by his father, forest manager Darrell Russ.

Russell’s main duties are weather observing and maintaining all weather records and managing the Yale Forestry Camp located at GMF. As manager for the camp he is in charge of overseeing all camp operations as well as scheduling and coordinating all camp groups. Assisting forest researchers, helping with on-site seminars, mapping/boundary work, timber harvests, maple syrup production, and coordinating with the Town of Norfolk for Tobey Pond Beach are just a few of Russell’s other duties. Russell is a Connecticut licensed forester and has been a continual member of the Society of American Foresters since 1987.

Russell grew up in Norfolk and now he and his wife Kim live in Colebrook, CT and have two grown children, Taryn and Jack.

Russell’s email address is russell@greatmountainforest.org

Kate Regan-Loomis

Kate grew up exploring the woods of New England and is excited to return to steward the forests that first inspired her love of the natural world. She earned a bachelor’s degree in International Environmental Studies from Kenyon College, after which she spent two years working in environmental communications in Chicago, honing her skills in storytelling and public engagement. Driven by a desire to deepen her hands-on knowledge of forest ecosystems, she went on to earn a Master of Forestry degree from the Yale School of the Environment, graduating in Spring 2025. While at Yale, she was a member of the Forest Apprenticeship program and co-managed the School’s Christmas tree farm.

Kate joined Great Mountain Forest in April 2025 and is excited to contribute to the care and long-term vitality of the region’s working forests. Outside of work, she enjoys trail running, getting lost in a good book, and painting.

Kate’s email address is kate@greatmountainforest.org

Joel E. Bronson

Joel (Jody) Bronson, a fourth generation land manager and forester began working at Great Mountain Forest (GMF) as a seasonal student forester in 1976. He began his forestry career under the guidance of past GMF Forest Manager Darrell F. Russ. In 1990, Jody became GMF Forest Manager upon Darrell’s retirement and remained in this position until July 2022.

As a part-time employee, Jody now advises on all phases of the forestry operations at GMF. He is a CT Licensed Forester, professional member of the Society of American Foresters and the Forest Stewards Guild. In 2002, he was the recipient of the Austin Cary Practicing Professional Award given by the New England Society of American Foresters (NESAF). This award recognizes NESAF members who have shown exceptional achievement as practicing forest managers.

The Bronson family have been residents of Winchester Center and Norfolk CT for centuries. Jody and his wife Jean have resided in Falls Village CT for over 40 years. They have two grown children and a grandchild. In his spare time, Jody enjoys woodworking, hunting and canoeing.

Vicki Muni Nelson

Vicki joined the GMF team as Program Coordinator. Vicki is a retired public school teacher who taught at Cornwall Consolidated School for 36 years. She has a B.S. in Biology from Eastern Connecticut State University, an M.S. in Science Education also from Eastern, and an M.S. degree in Information Technology from the University of Bridgeport.

Vicki and her husband Joel have lived in Norfolk for 30 years. They have four children: Westley, Gabriell, Marcela and Avery. Vicki likes to read, travel, hike, kayak, and cross-country ski, and enjoys listening to, and identifying birds in her Norfolk yard. She is a home gardener with a productive vegetable garden, cut flower garden, and many perennials.

Vicki is also a certified yoga teacher and level 2 reiki practitioner. She believes it is important to help others each day to feel seen, valued and respected. She lives her life with gratitude for all her blessings.

Vicki’s email address is vicki@greatmountainforest.org

Brian Dimock

Brian was born in Connecticut, growing up in Canton, and most recently living in
the Northwest Corner. Brian and his partner, Patricia, live on a farm in Winsted
Connecticut, where they raise beef cattle, tend to 20 acres of land, and produce hay
yearly. He has always been mechanically inclined and enjoys running, maintaining,
and repairing a variety of equipment and machinery. While majority of his career
has been in construction and landscaping, he spent 15 years as a property manager
for a private preserve in Colebrook Connecticut. He recently joined Great
Mountain Forest as the Property Maintenance Assistant, working to maintain trails,
assist with maple syrup production, and complete routine maintenance and repairs
on GMF’s equipment.
Brian enjoys spending free time with his family and dog. He has two
grandchildren, who he loves to play with. He is always willing to toss a ball, jump
in the pool, or join a game of chase or Uno. At home, he is the master of the grill,
smoker, and deep fryer. His ingredient of choice is hot peppers; he grows more
than 20 varieties in the garden each year. Brian is an avid outdoorsman, including
both hunting and fishing, but you can also find him enjoying a warm summer day
on his motorcycle or at the beach.