William Howenstine Elected President of Land Conservancy

09-20-2002

The Land Conservancy is happy to announce that William Howenstine has been named the organization's President.

Howenstine has been an active and influential member of the conservation community locally for over 30 years. In 1971 he was selected to serve as one of the first directors of the newly created McHenry County Conservation District. He served in that role until 1978, and again from 1996-2001. In the late 80's, Howenstine worked with other Defenders' members Bill Wingate and Jane Collins to start the Land Conservancy as a local land trust to work with private landowners who wanted to preserve their property in a natural state. The organization received its 501(c)(3) status in 1991. As Howenstine looks back on his 32 years in McHenry County, he cites the founding of the Land Conservancy as one of the most significant events of those years. He recalls Bill Wingate's vision for the organization as still appropriate today: to ensure that one day there is a natural area within walking distance of every child in McHenry County.

Howenstine and his wife, Alice, have been active members of the McHenry County Defenders since first moving to McHenry County in 1970. They own and operate Pioneer Christmas Tree farm, and are active members in the McHenry County Friends community.