Trustees bring expertise in agriculture, sustainability, and community engagement
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Land Trust is pleased to announce the addition of three new trustees to its Board: Sam Burr of Bristol, Lizah Makombore of Burlington, and Arwen Turner of Wallingford. The nonprofit’s Board guides its mission to protect, steward, and restore the farms, forests, and community spaces that define Vermont. The new trustees bring expertise in agriculture, sustainability, and community engagement.
“Our trustees play a vital role in shaping the future of land conservation in Vermont,” said Tracy Zschau, President and CEO of the Vermont Land Trust. “Sam, Lizah, and Arwen bring invaluable insights into how conservation intersects with farming, recreation, and community wellbeing. We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment to our mission.”
Sam Burr, Bristol
Sam Burr brings diverse agricultural experience to VLT. Since the late 1970s, Sam has lived and farmed in Vermont — living on a livestock/goat dairy, and then later managing a cow dairy before transitioning to diversified farming in the 1980s. In 1985, Sam and his wife, Eugenie Doyle, purchased and conserved Last Resort Farm in Monkton.
They continue to run the farm with their son and his family, producing organic fruits, vegetables, maple sap, and hay. After earning a law degree, Sam brought his years of agricultural experience to the Vermont State House, serving as legislative staff for several committees, including House and Senate Agriculture.
Lizah Makombore, Burlington
Lizah Makombore brings over a decade of experience across NGOs, development agencies, public finance institutions, and academia. Guided by the Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — her work centers on community-driven practice, sustainability, and collective wellbeing. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Vermont, Lizah’s research explores how ecological economics can inform policies that support diverse farmers and resilient agroecosystems.
Lizah has contributed to climate policy design, water stewardship partnerships, and support for small- and medium-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. She lives in Burlington, Vermont, with her family.
Arwen Turner, Wallingford
Arwen Turner is the Executive Director of Come Alive Outside, a Vermont-based nonprofit that builds collaborative community systems to connect individuals, families, and entire communities to the health and wellness benefits of outdoor spaces. A passionate advocate for outdoor equity and inclusion, Arwen is also the co-founder of Thicket Adventure, an outdoor apparel company creating high-quality, true plus-size gear for larger-bodied adventurers.
Arwen brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and fund development, having led initiatives across the U.S. and abroad.
About Vermont Land Trust
Rooted in Vermont since 1977, the Vermont Land Trust unites land and lives for the enduring benefit of people and the place we share. We have protected more than 650,000 acres of land and foster life-long connections to the farms, forests, and community spaces that define Vermont. Learn more at vlt.org.
Vermont Land Trust
8 Bailey Ave
Montpelier, VT 05602
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