Board of Directors
Blackwood Educational Land Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ecological literacy and regenerative land stewardship through education, agriculture, and community engagement.
Cath Conlon
Founder and CEO of Blackwood, a certified permaculture designer and master gardener who built its 33-acre learning farm.
Megan Parks
Principal at AMB Parks Consulting focused on soil health and ecological strategy, with a background in chemical and environmental engineering.
Justin Rahman
Houston-born Development Officer at the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science, passionate about food insecurity and soil nutrition.
Sheila Blake
Retired Houston Building Code Administrator who founded the Green Building Resource Center and champions environmental and social justice.
Jeff Kaplan
Houston eco-entrepreneur and co-founder of New Living, focused on businesses that maximize community impact.
Catherine Delano
Geoscientist, artist, and founder of Tao Exploration, fusing art, science, and technology to connect people and ideas.
Paula Fendley
Lifelong educator and Houston education consultant devoted to equity, justice, and environmental sustainability.
LaVerne Williams
AIA, LEED AP architect who has championed green residential building since the 1970s.
Star Massing
Boulevard Realty agent and Board Chair, named Realtor to the Arts and Design Community by PaperCity.
Jill McIntyre
Civil engineer and consultant with degrees from Texas A&M and the University of Houston, and a passion for homeschooling.
We're hiring!
Blackwood thrives because of the people who give their time and talent to it. If you want to lend your skills to a mission rooted in land, education, and community, we'd love to hear from you.
Be apart of the regenerative movement
Reconnect with the land, grow real food, and be a part of restoring the earth in a tangible, meaningful way.
