Ty “Dancing Wolf” Ellis

Board President

Founder of Lenapehoking Reestablishment Project (LRP)

NJ Hometown: Bridgeton

“New Jersey is part of Lenapehoking, the land of my ancestors. Not many people can say that they remain on the lands of the people that their ancestors have lived for thousands of years, and I take pride in being able to say that. I have a passion for educating and bringing back traditional and cultural acknowledgments to our people and our lands, which is why I am proud to be a part of Rewild NJ.”

Vincent Palmieri

Land Use Planner at Township of Brick

NJ Hometown: Brick Twp.

“During my short time in the professional capacity, I’ve always taken seriously the phrase “think global, act local“.  True environmental stewardship, local policy decisions, along with active advocacy is a recipe for success when it comes to environmental initiatives. Starting with your own community, then building momentum from the ground up is what Rewild New Jersey Community Cooperative’s mission means to me. My favorite aspect of New Jersey is the variety of land uses it has to offer. From the Jersey Shore to short lengths of the Appalachian Mountains – to rustic rural communities, and home to many well-known cities – it truly offers diversity in the sense of both cultural diversity and land use diversity. One of my favorite places to visit would have to be the Manasquan Reservoir located in Howell, NJ. The Manasquan Reservoir is home to an incredibly prolific ecosystem, which truly makes it even more enjoyable to visit.”

Isabel Molina

Clean Energy Environmental & Equity Manager at New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

NJ Hometown: Hamilton

“I grew up in Northern New Jersey. With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont, I started her career in recycling education and outreach coordination, continued in environmental justice statewide policy, and now works for the Board of Public Utilities apply equitable practices and principles to clean energy programs. Having lived in other states, she loves the cultural and ecological diversity that New Jersey has to offer! I believe that everyone values nature but knows that engagement will look different for everyone. That’s why the mission of Rewild NJ is so critical to allowing people to engage with nature in a way that is meaningful and accessible to them.”

Richard Federman

Professor at Rowan University Department of Geography, Planning, & Sustainability

NJ Hometown: Cherry Hill

“I have been faculty in Rowan University’s Department of Geography, Planning & Sustainability for the past 17 years, the past seven years in the position of full-time Teaching Professor. In addition to the many classes I teach, I am Coordinator for an undergraduate program called Environmental & Sustainability Studies, and oversee the School’s GEO Club, one of the College’s most popular student organizations. I have been teaching a course entitled The Geography of New Jersey since 2011 and am a lifelong resident of the state. I love exploring New Jersey’s parks and trails and have hiked the state’s Batona Trail as well as the nearly 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail.”

Ian Brastow

Policy Associate at New Jersey Highlands Coalition 

NJ Hometown: Booton

“Despite my PA origins, I spent many summers exploring New Jersey’s natural treasures. These places of innate beauty heavily inspired my love of the outdoors and eventually my career in environmental advocacy.  Unfortunately, the encroachment of invasive species inhibits the regeneration of New Jersey’s native flora, detracting from their intrinsic charm.  My background in Physics and Environmental Science from Haverford College and my M.S. in Geography and Planning from West Chester University prepared me for understanding the intricacies of natural systems and instilled in me the understanding that policy significantly lags behind the progress of science.  My role as the Policy Associate for the New Jersey Highlands Coalition allows me to use my scientific background to better protect the natural and cultural resources of Northern NJ.  I was drawn to Rewild NJ for the same reason that drives me both personally and professionally.  Simply put, being exposed to the beauty of nature leads to the desire to protect it.”