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A Legacy of Transformative Leadership in the Housatonic Valley

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s Conservation Hero Award for 2025 honors Lynn Werner, the retiring Executive Director of the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA), for her over 40 years of unwavering dedication to land and water conservation in Connecticut and beyond. Lynn’s leadership, vision, and tireless commitment to preserving the natural resources of the Housatonic Watershed embody the very spirit of this prestigious award.

Since becoming Executive Director in 1995, Lynn has transformed HVA into a powerful conservation force. Lynn’s collaborative approach has fostered partnerships that amplify and sustain conservation efforts in Connecticut and in the Housatonic River’s sources in Massachusetts and New York. 

“Lynn is a master of collaboration,” explained Amy Blaymore Paterson, Executive Director of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council. “She has brought together land trusts, towns, and community members to amplify conservation efforts and protect vital landscapes and waterways for everyone to enjoy.” 

Prior to her tenure at HVA, Lynn worked for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, gaining foundational experience in fishery conservation. She combines strategic vision with a hands-on approach, ensuring HVA’s projects are both ambitious and achievable. Her expertise in development and advocacy has been crucial in securing critical funding for HVA’s impactful work. Her ability to inspire and galvanize support has led to long-lasting partnerships that continue to yield meaningful conservation outcomes. 

Lynn’s work is full of major achievements. She co-founded the Litchfield Hills Greenprint with The Trust for Public Land, a partnership that has protected tens of thousands of acres. She was also a key player in the Stanley Works conservation effort, which preserved over 5,000 acres of land along the Housatonic River, and helped reroute the Appalachian Trail along it. Alongside the Housatonic River Commission, she played a key role in the designation of a 41-mile stretch of the Housatonic River as Wild and Scenic, a decades-long endeavor finally achieved in 2022. Lynn also led the charge to secure a settlement from General Electric for PCB contamination in the river, leading to the creation of the Natural Resources Damages Fund. 

Beyond her large-scale projects, Lynn has always been a champion for public policy that protects our streams and wetlands. She’s a strong advocate for addressing climate change and has mentored countless young professionals, fostering a new generation of conservation leaders. 

Lynn’s dedication extends beyond HVA, as reflected in her numerous leadership and advisory roles, including with the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Rivers Alliance of Connecticut, Governor’s Council on Climate Change, and various other conservation-focused organizations and committees.

Lynn Werner’s extraordinary contributions have left an indelible mark on Connecticut and the Housatonic River Valley. Her leadership exemplifies collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment, making her a truly deserving recipient of the Conservation Hero Award. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire conservationists for generations to come.

About the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s Excellence in Conservation Awards

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) is proud to announce the winners of its 2025 Excellence in Conservation Awards. These awards celebrate the dedication and impactful work of conservation leaders across the state. They both honor past achievements and inspire future efforts by showcasing exceptional projects and leadership within Connecticut’s land trust and conservation community. This year’s honorees— Lynn Werner, David Sargent, and the Groton Open Space Association—represent the diverse and vital work being done to protect Connecticut’s environment and make natural lands accessible to all. Their achievements are a powerful reminder of the collaborative spirit that drives successful conservation throughout the state and beyond.