Former Green Acres director joins Nature Conservancy

Sussex County-The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey recently named Wells Wells as assistant state director, director of the Newton-based Skylands Program. In his new position, Wells will oversee all operations, science and stewardship, and community-based conservation strategies in the Skylands. "I look forward to this new challenge and am eager to work with local landowners, the agricultural community, and public and private partners to protect the biodiversity of this stunning natural area," said Wells. Barbara Brummer, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey, said "Wells brings to the Conservancy extensive conservation experience and leadership in both the public and nonprofit sectors." At the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Wells had broad responsibilities that included program development, fundraising, and legislative affairs. During his tenure at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, he created and administered grants and the technical assistance program for local environmental agencies and municipal environmental commissions. He is a past administrator of the State's Green Acres Program and has also worked in private industry as an environmental consultant. Spanning the state's northern and central counties, the Conservancy's Skylands Program area includes the state's Highlands, Great Limestone Valley, Kittatinny Ridge and Piedmont geographic regions. The Nature Conservancy, along with private and public partners, has safeguarded nearly 4,500 acres in the Skylands at 14 nature preserves. For more information on the Nature Conservancy, visit nature.org/New Jersey.