Staff
Amanda Thompson, Executive Director
Amanda grew up in North Minnesota with many state forests and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Wilderness as her back yard. Moving to Connecticut as an adult she was pleasantly surprised at the amount of forests, wetlands and farms that have been preserved near more urban areas and started to volunteer for the local land trust. Amanda has spent the last 15 years on the board of East Granby Land Trust and Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy, currently serving as president of Traprock Ridge. When she is not doing land conservation work she also works with local Scout Troop 175 getting kids excited about camping and the outdoors.
“We live in such an amazing area with local access to longer trails like the Metacomet Trail, Tunxis Trail, and Appalachian Trail. Plus the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail for biking and federally designated wild and scenic Salmon Brook and Farmington River for kayaking and canoeing. I feel very lucky to have all of these beautiful natural places at my finger tips. Protecting our natural environment for the benefit of the people, plants, and animals in our region as my goal.”
Liz Cushman,
Director - Finance and Membership
Bringing years of experience as a certified public accountant, Liz joined the Simsbury Land Trust in June 2023. Her role integrates her passion for financial management and conservation, allowing her to ensure the organization's financial well-being while supporting Simsbury Land Trust’s mission of preserving the community's natural beauty.
Liz assumes responsibility for the daily financial operations of the organization as well as the annual audit process. Additionally, she oversees membership activities and collaborates closely with the executive director, assisting in fundraising initiatives and event planning to engage the community in the mission of the land trust.
Growing up in Simsbury, Liz has a true appreciation of the land and trails that the land trust now safeguards. Her childhood included exploring these trails, and she is excited to be part of an organization that protects Simsbury’s natural resources and beautiful open spaces. Liz currently resides in West Hartford with her husband and two sons.