Ty “Dancing Wolf” Ellis

Board President

Architect, Community Advocate, Founder of Lenapehoking Reestablishment Project (LRP)

NJ Hometown: Bridgeton

NJ BioRegion: Delaware Valley

“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

Board Secretary

Land Use Planner, Monmouth County Planning

NJ Hometown: Brick Twp.

NJ BioRegion:

“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.”

Derek R Polzer

General Board Member

Poet, Artist, Writer, Woodworker, Former Recycling Coordinator Town of Morristown

NJ Hometown: Berkeley Heights

NJ BioRegion: Great Swamp, Passaic River Headwaters

“I enjoy the inspirations of NJ’s geological & ecological diversity, & it’s regional, cultural diversity. NJ is a unique gem most worthy of preservation.”

Leslie Gunnett

General Board Member

Environmental Education Specialist, Rowan University Adjunct Geography Professor

NJ Hometown: Blackwood

NJ BioRegion: Delaware Valley

“I have always had a special place in my heart for the natural world around me, and what better place to start nurturing the environment than your own backyard? I grew up hiking in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and always found our state’s natural landscape fascinating. I am passionate about educating future generations about supporting biodiversity, and rewilding New Jersey can create important and impactful changes to the natural places we love to visit in our state.”

Who are Advisory Board Members?

The Advisory Board is a committee of professionals that embody the mission and philosophy of RNJCC. The Advisory Board works to inform the vision of the organization. Advisory Board Members are an active part of the Rewild NJ Community. Our Community is part of the rewilding revolution occurring here in New Jersey and around the world.

What do Advisory Board Members do?

• Inform, guide, and support the vision of the organization.
• Contribute to the Media: Community Blog.
• Contribute to Social Media.
• Attend meetings, activities, and events.

Who can be an Advisory Board Member?

• Individuals who embody the organization mission and philosophy.
• Individuals specializing in careers or special interests related to rewilding, sustainability, environment, STEM, community organizing, social sciences, fundraising, or education.

Want to Become an Advisory Board Member?

Contact Fran @rewildnjcc@gmail.com!