Who We Are
Nature enthusiasts working to inspire stewardship of Vermont's 55 state parks through innovative education, access to parks, and equity in the outdoors.
Our Story
People who spend time outdoors are healthier and more likely to consider themselves environmentalists. Yet today’s children, particularly those in underserved and underrepresented communities, spend less time outdoors than any previous generation.
Vermont Parks Forever was founded in 2013 to enhance and protect Vermont State Parks through charitable and private support. We collaborate with Vermont residents, park visitors, businesses, community organizations, and state government to improve the parks for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.
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Board of Directors
Vermont Parks Forever brings together the skill and passion of a great group of park users from across our state. Their commitment to the state parks and Vermont Parks Forever helps create better parks for all of us.
Rachel Desautels
Rachel spends her free time outside and has a special love and appreciation for Vermont summers. Now the Executive Director or Girls on the Run Vermont, Rachel passionately helps guide the statewide nonprofit so that more girls in 3rd-8th grade can have access to GOTRVT programming in an effort to nurture their social, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
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Join Our Board
Are you passionate about the outdoors and increasing access to the state park system? Then we want to meet you! Vermont Parks Forever accepts applications for new board members year-round, and applications from BIPOC, women, and members of other underrepresented communities are highly encouraged.
Our Team
Sarah Alberghini Winters,
Executive Director
Sarah Alberghini Winters became Vermont Parks Forever’s first executive director in the fall of 2014 after a career path that has encompassed the State of Vermont, Seventh Generation, and consulting in marketing and project management. Sarah grew up in Waterbury with frequent visits to state parks and a love of the outdoors. Engaging in work to enhance and protect state parks is a natural fit for her.
Sarah lives just outside Montpelier in Berlin on the Dog River with her husband, children, and goofy dog.
Colleen,
Director of Development & Communications
An outdoors lover, Colleen joined Vermont Parks Forever in 2019. She began her career in higher education development and has since worked to enhance various local non-profits, libraries, and schools.
When she’s not working to help others enjoy the outdoors, Colleen loves to hike, paddle, ski, and spend as much time as possible in Vermont’s state parks!
Jessie Krust,
Administrative & Development Assistant
Jessie joined Vermont Parks Forever in 2021 after living in South Carolina and Chicago. After nearly eight years of working in nonprofit theatre and theatre education, she decided to leave the city behind and put down roots in VT.
When she’s not working, Jessie loves to hike with her husband and toddler, try her hand at knitting, and take aerial fabric classes.
