OUR WORK
The Wilderness Center’s mission is to inspire and nurture a connection between people and nature through habitat conservation, environmental education, and community engagement.
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1964
Thanks to a humble beginning with the estate of Charlie Sigrist and attorney, retired U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula, Dr. Charles King from Malone College and Arnold Fritz, president of the Canton Audubon Society, The Wilderness Center (TWC) has grown from a dream into a community treasure. Dr. Charles King and Arnold Fritz saw the need for a nature center in northeast Ohio. Although they didn't yet have money to make an offer, when they found out about the Sigrist land, they approached Regula with interest, hope and a concept.
King and Fritz saw that property could effectively serve the surrounding areas, but learned that a strip mining company was also interested. Regula cared deeply about the environment and wanted to preserve the property's pristine forests, so he requested a grant from the Timken Foundation to assist King and Fritz with the formation of TWC. The Timken Foundation donated $67,500 for the purchase of the Sigrist lands and the adjacent Warstler property. The Stark County Foundation, the Canton Garden Center, Dr. Tom Soehnlen and Bernice McKenzie Frease, a state representative, also contributed toward the purchase. The Wilderness Center
Growth through the years
The first professional staff were hired in 1965. In 1974, TWC constructed the Interpretive Building located on the 600 acre Headquarters property in Wilmot, Ohio, which was then expanded with an addition in 2000. The building continues to provide a focal point for the Center's many activities. In addition to its Interpretive Building, TWC's headquarters today boast 10 miles of hiking trails, an Astronomy Education Building featuring a digital planetarium and observatory, a Native Plant Nursery and a Nature Playscape. TWC is open to the public year round and admission is free.
There have been four executive directors in TWC's more than 50-year history. Jeremy Felland served as the first leader of the organization, followed in 1981 by Gordon Maupin. Dr. Jeffrey R. Corney assumed the role in 2014 and Jeanne M. Gural was appointed to the position in 2019. Through these changes, the Center's commitment to the community has been constant.
Today and tomorrow
Today, The Wilderness Center remains relevant and continues to stay ahead of the curve through innovative approaches to environmental science education and land conservation. TWC teaches the next generation to appreciate our natural world through school classes and educational programs for children and families, while also offering a variety of classes, workshops and clubs to interest learners of all ages, including virtual learning opportunities and programs in the surrounding community.
What started as a mere 251 acres in 1964 has become more than 3,380 acres of agricultural land, forest, meadow, wetland and prairie in seven counties. TWC also operates a revolving land fund to assist other conservation organizations in obtaining critical parcels of land, and guides the management of nearly 15,000 acres of privately owned forest through TWC Consulting Forestry.
Through the Backyard Habitat Initiative and Dark Skies Conservation programs, TWC serves as a guide and resource to help our neighbors take small steps toward positive changes for the benefit of our community. TWC's conservation burial ground, Foxfield Preserve, brings the peace of nature to those experiencing loss and grief. An environmentally-friendly alternative to modern burial, Foxfield Preserve also preserves natural land and provides sustainable funding for TWC's conservation efforts.
OUR VALUES
Wildlife & Nature:
TWC preserves and restores the habitats and natural systems wildlife need to thrive.
TWC advocates for native wildlife and our natural world.
Innovation:
TWC utilizes new and creative approaches to fulfill our mission.
TWC creates innovative programs and services to support our efforts in conservation, education, and community. Ex: Foxfield Preserve and TWC Consulting Forestry Programs.
Sustainability:
TWC's actions include sustainable choices and consider long-term impacts.
TWC's actions are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially equitable.
Discovery:
TWC believes in learning from nature through discovery and engagement.
TWC maintains our diverse habitats to support our in-nature experiences for visitors.
Inclusiveness:
TWC provides a welcoming community space for all.
TWC believes in the importance of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility for all.
Integrity:
TWC stays true to our mission of conservation, education, and community. At TWC, integrity is at the heart of everything we do.
TWC strives to observe the highest ethical standards as individuals and as an organization. TWC honors our commitments to our community.
AWARDS
TEAM
Jeanne M. Gural
Executive Director
Jeanne was appointed TWC Executive Director in 2019. Prior to that Jeanne had served as Executive Director of the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, New Jersey, since 2009. Her oversight of Cedar Run included the Woodford Nature Center, an outdoor Wildlife Housing Area with more than 60 native residents and a Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital. Prior to joining Cedar Run, she served as Director of Preserves and Facilities at The Nature Conservancy and as Habitat Restoration Program Manager at Rutgers University. Jeanne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organismal Biology and Biological Anthropology from Pitzer College in Claremont, Calif., and has completed graduate work in Ecology, Plant Identification, Wildlife Ecology and Habitat Restoration.
Carolyn Bell
Director of Finance and Human Resources
Carolyn was hired as the Finance and HR Coordinator in February 2020 but actually started working with TWC on a subcontract basis since Oct 2019. Prior to joining TWC, Carolyn worked for REA & Associates in the Client Advisory Services department. While at REA, she served many clients in many different industries taking care of their accounting, payroll and tax needs. Carolyn received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Akron and completed her CPA certification with the Accountancy Board of Ohio. Carolyn is a member of the Ohio Society of CPA's and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Outside of TWC, Carolyn enjoys running, reading and playing with her black labs.
Sarah Cline
Director of Education
Sarah joined The Wilderness Center team in March of 2025. She brings more than a decade of experience teaching and leading environmental education programs that improve environmental literacy and motivate stewardship action through curiosity-igniting experiences. Previous roles include work as an environmental education research assistant with OSU Extension, a conservation advisor in West Africa, a naturalist educator, and most recently the Director of the Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center in SW Ohio. Sarah holds an M.A.T. in biology and conservation education from Miami University’s Project Dragonfly and a B.S. in environment and natural resource management from Ohio State University. In her free time, she loves gardening, reading, practicing yoga and spending time outside with her husband and their two dogs.
Maureen Kampman
Director of Development
Maureen joined TWC in May of 2022. She has been fundraising for non-profits for over a decade. She comes to us after a long history of work in non-profits in the Stark County region. She holds a B.A in Psychology from Millsaps College and a J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law, both located in Jackson, Mississippi. Maureen currently resides in Canal Fulton, and she loves joining her family and friends in taking advantage of everything her community and surrounding areas have to offer. In her free time, you can find her volunteering with different organizations in the area, or planning local fundraisers and events.
Dan Volk
Director of Conservation
Dan joined The Wilderness Center in April 2023 as the Associate Director of Conservation and Land Management. Prior to that, Dan was the Forest Health Project Coordinator for Cleveland Metroparks where he worked to understand forest conditions, particularly those vulnerable to pests, pathogens, and climate change. Before that, Dan worked on stream and pond surveys, plant care, and biogeochemistry research at Holden Forests & Gardens and Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Dan received his bachelor's of science in biology from Cleveland State University and his master's of science in biology from University of Central Florida where he focused on population genetics of coral reef gobies. In his spare time, Dan enjoys playing video and board games, spending time with his wife and 4 pets, and DIY projects.
April Belloni
Finance & Data Entry Associate
April joined the TWC team in March of 2022. Her career has over 25 years of accounting and customer service experience. April is excited to be able to mix her professional experience with her passion for protection and preservation of the environment for future generations. Being a local to The Wilderness Center where she grew up just down the road, she has many fond memories to share.
April loves spending her down time with her family and friends. She spends most of her free time either visiting Disney parks, learning the history of Walt Disney, or sharing her love of Disney travel planning through social media.
Laura Firestone
Development Coordinator
Laura joined The Wilderness Center as Development Coordinator in January 2023. Her previous employment in the nonprofit sector includes 15 years with the Akron Art Museum where she was most recently Visitor Experience Manager. During her years of experience in the museum’s Advancement Department she participated in various fundraising efforts and earned revenue initiatives. Laura earned a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from Kent State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration through Walsh University. When she is not studying or working, Laura likes gardening, particularly with native plants that benefit birds, bees, and butterflies. Laura loves spending time outdoors, whether going on an afternoon hiking adventure with family and friends or just taking a short solitary stroll.
Robin Gill
Dark Sky Initiative Coordinator; Astronomy Education Specialist
Robin joined TWC's Education Staff in 2017 after many years as a volunteer and board member. She graduated from Mount Union with a BS in Physics and Astronomy. In addition to a long career in the energy industry, she served as Science Director at the McKinley Museum. She helped to found and nurture the Wilderness Center Astronomy Club for over 25 years. In particular, she contributed to many educational efforts including Astronomy Days, planetarium education, outreach programs and the building of TWC's Astronomy Education Building.
Kristina Hansen
Foxfield Preserve Operations Coordinator
Kristina Hansen is an Ohio native, growing up in Bay Village, and then going on to attend both Ohio State and Cleveland State Universities. She earned a BS in Animal Science, an MS in education, a Permaculture Design Certificate, and is a dedicated life long learner.
After meeting her husband Chris, Kristina eventually settled on a small farm in Grafton, where they focused on raising their four children. Over the past 15 years they have shared their space with a constantly changing assortment of animals, and ever expanding gardens. Her hobbies include gardening, soap making, hiking, paddling, cooking, and knitting. She finds her greatest joy in spending time with her family. Over the years she has worn many hats, including High School science teacher, riding instructor, horse trainer, parent, farm manager, and home educator. She is very excited about her newest role, being part of the staff at Foxfield Preserve. Here she is able to combine her passion for conservation with her love of service, by assisting the families who choose Foxfield to learn more about natural burial and make meaningful decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
Lindsey Jones
Executive Assistant
Lindsey joins The Wilderness Center with several years of working experience in non-profit organizations including 3 years as the Executive Assistant at Twin City Medical Center in Dennison, Ohio and 4 years as Operations Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Lindsey has a certificate in Office Technology and graduated from Buckeye Career Center in 2013.
She grew up in Tuscarawas County, Ohio and currently lives in New Philadelphia with her husband, Chase, her sons, Deegan and Kade, and her cat, Grace. Lindsey enjoys gardening, fishing, watching Football, playing video games and reading books with her family.
Zac Justus
Forestry & Restoration Coordinator
Zac is a recent Magna Cum Laude graduate with a B.S. in Environmental Science, specializing in conservation and natural resources. Throughout his undergraduate studies, he held leadership positions in both the Outdoors Club and the Student Engagement Council, where he motivated students to engage with the natural world and actively organized volunteer events. Currently, he is pursuing a master's degree in Environmental Science, focusing on invasive species, alongside earning a master certification in Fire Ecology, Management & Technology. In addition, he holds certifications in Data Analytics and Geographic Information Systems.
With a diverse professional background, Zac successfully ran his own sporting goods business for several years. Utilizing the skills acquired, he worked with other companies to implement waste reduction programs and various green initiatives along with other tasks. In his spare time, Zac volunteers with the Ohio Sierra Club and Friends of Wooster Memorial Park. His personal interests include backpacking, working out, woodworking, kayaking, hiking, reading, and gardening in his native species yard.
Michelle Leighty
Environmental Education Specialist
Michelle joined The Wilderness Center in March of 2023. She has an extensive background in educational programming and animal care. Previous positions include running programs and clubs for the Mentor Public Library, managing the wildlife center at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, working as an assistant at a veterinary hospital, public interpretation and pachyderm keeping at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, and teaching abroad at a school system in Japan. She holds a master’s degree in environmental studies from Cleveland State University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Ohio University. Her hobbies include photography, traveling, and adventuring outdoors with her Catahoula leopard dog.
Paul Lyon
Custodian
Paul has been working as a part time custodian at the Wilderness Center since 2007.
He lives in Beach City with his wife, Johanna, two children, Abbie and Jake, two dogs, Lucy and Roxy, and two cats, Rose and Bella.
Josh Richardson
Building & Grounds Maintenance Manager
Josh joined the Wilderness Center in June 2023 as the Building and Grounds Manager. He has worked in the electrical trade for 15 years and brings experience in project management. Josh also previously worked as a crew leader for Portage Park District maintaining parks and trails. He holds an associate degree in electrical trade technology and completed a 5-year apprenticeship to become a journeyman electrician. In his spare time, he likes hiking, camping, and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Melanie Scheibe
Operations Coordinator
Melanie graduated from Stark State University with a Medical Coding Certificate in 2015, where she also studied Business Administration. She worked in that field for a short time, then decided to stay home with her children. Spending time with her family camping, boating, and fishing are the highlights of her life! She enjoys other hobbies as well, including writing since she was young and have always wanted to write a book! Melanie learned to preserve their family garden from her mother, and it is a tradition she carries on with her own children. Working for a non-profit was something she would say she stumbled upon in her years as a youth scout leader and committee member, which she's still active in today. She found something she's passionate about in this line of work, and says "it gives you a sense of fulfillment that you make a difference."
Serena Solis
Environmental Education Coordinator
Serena joined the Wilderness Center team in November of 2022. Originally from Michigan found herself in Ohio for college where she recently graduated from Bowling Green State University with a BA in Environmental Policy and Analysis with a specialization in Restoration. Serena has had different environmental education experiences with volunteering and an internship experience at Nature’s Nursey and a seasonal position at the Holden Arboretum. She has also had many leadership experiences with her college’s learning community, Chapman, where they focused on community service and building on leadership skills. She also has shown leadership and teamwork during her time as a baton twirler for 15 years. Some things that Serena loves to do in her free time are exploring different nature areas, watching movies, and occasionally horseback riding.
Sky Ward
Store Clerk / Administrative Assistant
Sky joined TWC in October of 2024. She comes to us eager to utilize her administrative skills and to combine her passion for customer satisfaction with her love of nature. She attended Kent State University and has a background in retail management, administration, and customer service. A resident of Tuscarawas County, Sky enjoys reading and spending time with her daughter.
Sarah Watson
Development and Marketing Associate
Sarah joined the Wilderness Center in May 2023 as a recent graduate from Wittenberg University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication & Digital Media, and has had different experiences with digital marketing and consulting for small businesses. She was chosen as one of a few students for her university’s prestigious Communication and Business Leadership Experience, and has gained sufficient leadership and teamwork experience as a result. She is looking forward to joining the team at the Wilderness Center and developing these skills, along with others, even further! In Sarah’s free time, she enjoys going for walks in nature with her dog, Roxie, hammocking, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family.
Barbara Yoder
Foxfield Preserve Manager
Barbara became a member of TWC in 2007 when her family moved to Ohio, at which time she began regularly attending events with her then three and five year old children. Since that time Barbara has viewed TWC as an essential support in raising her children with a love of Nature.
Barbara firmly believes in the power of nature to soothe and heal. She has personally experienced the potential of the Foxfield Preserve to be a nurturing place for families, as she buried a family member in the Forest area in 2010.
Her professional career has covered projects in energy policy and research, government-led energy efficiency projects, and soil and water conservation. She has an interest in religious studies and anthropology. Barbara is an active volunteer: teacher and leader for a homeschool co-op, a poll worker, a member of the Education committee for The Wilderness Center, and costume manager for Ballet Wooster. She lives in Wooster with her husband and two children.