The Faces of The Nature Foundation

Douglas A. Coleman

Executive Director

As founder and Executive Director for The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen, Doug Coleman has been protecting the heritage and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia for over 30 years. His national and international conservation and education efforts through seminars, study programs, nature walks and other informative group sessions held at the Foundation have encouraged the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the area’s natural resources.

Armed with an undergraduate degree in biology from Virginia’s Bridgewater College and having done graduate work at the University of North Carolina’s Highlands Biological Station and the University of Delaware, Coleman began working with the developers of Wintergreen Resort in 1975 to create a plan to protect the 6,000 acres that were designated for conservation. He personally designed the Wintergreen community’s environmental policies and natural sciences programs, which are still in effect today.

Coleman founded the 40-year-old Spring Wildflower Symposium held annually at Wintergreen and in 1993, propelled The  Nature Foundation at Wintergreen into a science-based research and education non-profit organization located at Wintergreen Resort in the central Blue Ridge Mountains.

He has generated a number of awards for the Foundation, including launching the program that won the National Environmental Achievement Award for resort communities in 1987, the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society’s Windler Award for the best systematic paper of the year in 1993, and the Phoenix International Environmental Award from the Society of American Travel Writers in 1999.

He recently initiated The Natural Gardens of Wintergreen, a strategic effort to join the community together to support landscaping efforts that protect propagated native plant tissue collected in and around Wintergreen’s 11,000 acres. In addition, he served on the Flora of Virginia advisory committee and worked on The New Flora of Virginia, the first comprehensive illustrated flora of the Commonwealth.

Amanda Winegar

Marketing and Outreach Coordinator

I am a native of Waynesboro, VA. I currently live in Crimora with my son, Declan. I earned my masters degree in Science for Sports Medicine where I discovered I enjoy working with people without injuries. I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the hospitality industry for the past 9 years and I thrive on helping others. I am very excited to be part of TNFW family and look forward to getting to know and working with our amazing members. Declan and I enjoy our time together hiking, fishing, kayaking, and are huge Ravens fans.

Josh Palumbo

Forest Manager

I grew up outside Annapolis Maryland fishing the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay and wandering the woods behind my house. I attended Virginia Tech (go Hokies!) and received a degree in Forest Resource Management. After spending a few years in the wilds of the Adirondacks, I came to The Nature Foundation as the Forest Management Coordinator. When I am not busy shuttling one of my four children to various activities, I can be found canoeing a lovely Virginia river, traipsing through the woods, coaching high school wrestling or on a date with my lovely wife.

Kathie Driscoll

Education Director`

Hi there! I’m Kathie, the Education Director at The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen. I hail from Northern Virginia and have made my home in Central Virginia; beautiful Amherst specifically. I have provided environmental education in the Central Virginia area for over 20 years. I am passionate about conservation and instilling the appreciation of Virginia’s beautiful and unique resources.

I have a background in Biology and German; earning two Bachelor degrees from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. I am a member of the North American Association for Environmental Education and the Central Blue Ridge Master Naturalist Chapter.

As the Education Director for TNFW, I provide environmental education and cultural history for the Nelson County community and to surrounding counties. I love Wintergreen for its near perfect beauty and the fellowship of the Wintergreen community. I thoroughly enjoy offering programs, activities and “road trips” for our members. I oversee TNFW’s volunteer program where I recruit volunteers to help develop and deliver environmental education and natural resource training. I especially appreciate each and every volunteer who has made this position the best I ever had.

I spend my free time in the woods hiking, birding and staying in tune with nature. I have two beautiful daughters, who share my value in caring for our natural world.

Camille VanHout

Bookkeeper

Hi All! I grew up in Nelson County with four brothers enjoying all that a rural environment has to offer. All five of us settled here & raised our families as many changes took place all around the County.  After completing a Masters of Education in Counseling, I pursued a career in Human Resources while raising three children.  As I moved to part-time work and grandparenting, I found I enjoyed Bookkeeping and was fortunate to find a great fit with The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen. I can’t say I have much spare time as I tend to fill my hours visiting with friends & family & planning for the next adventure. So much to see & do and never enough hours in the day!

Linda Ehinger

Newsletter Editor and Website Assistant

I’ve visited friends at Wintergreen for years and upon retirement in 2015 I found the perfect little home on the mountain. My life has taken me from growing up in Los Angeles, college in Michigan, and finally to Maryland near DC. I didn’t know how this city girl would do in such a rural, quiet setting. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. My two adult daughters, my son-in-law, and grandson love visiting me. They are huge fans of our beautiful mountain. In my spare time I pursue (way too many) crafty and artsy projects along with reading and socializing with the wonderful friends I’ve made here at Wintergreen.

 

 

Michelle Maggiore

Shoppe and Greenhouse Manager

I was born and raised (mostly) in Virginia and have gardened throughout this beautiful state in Zones 6, 7 and 8. 

In Norfolk, VA, I  grew up on a tributary leading to the Chesapeake Bay, and helped my mom grow food for my Nana’s restaurant in Virginia Beach.
While attending ODU and  then VCU, I raised three great nature-loving kids and currently live in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Afton, VA.
Aside from keeping the shoppe at TNFW stocked, and propagating native trees and shrubs, I also teach gardening at Hereford College (UVA).
I LOVE getting people hooked on gardening, kayaking, hiking, and writing.