GREAT MOUNTAIN FOREST STAFF

Joel E. Bronson

Joel (Jody) Bronson, a fourth-generation land manager and forester, began working at Great Mountain Forest as a seasonal student forester in 1976 after attending Unity College’s Forest Technician program. He transferred to Keene State College as an environmental science and geography major and continued his seasonal employment at GMF. In 1978, he began his forestry career under the guidance of then-forest manager Darrell F. Russ and in 1990, became forest manager upon Darrell’s retirement.

Jody oversees all phases of forestry operations including timber harvesting, wildlife habitat improvement, assisting researchers, and supervising student forestry interns. He is a member of The Society of American Foresters and is a Connecticut licensed forester. He is also a professional member of The Forest Guild. In 2002, he was the recipient of the Austin Cary Practicing Professional Award given by the New England Society of American Foresters. This award recognizes NESAF members who have shown exceptional achievement as practicing forest managers.

Jody’s email: jody@greatmountainforest.org

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

Sarah Allyn

Sarah Allyn, a fourth-generation Norfolk citizen, has always had one foot firmly planted in the outdoors and the other on a stage. She graduated from Rollins College in 2020 with a BA in Environmental Studies and Music Performance. Following her undergraduate years, Sarah spent two seasons in CT DEEP State Parks Division as a seasonal maintainer; focusing on green-space management for the public to enjoy. As a new member of the Norfolk Land Trust, she hopes to uphold the prioritization of preservation in this continuously developing world. When she is not playing trumpet duets with her father, she is performing at the congregational church in Norfolk and at various local events with the Salisbury Community Band. Sarah joined the Great Mountain Forest team in March of 2022 as Office Manager and is excited to contribute to this esteemed organization. She is fueled by missions with moral significance and far-reaching benefits to people and the planet.

Sarah’s email address is sarah@greatmountainforest.org