Dave Elmore is the Executive Director of Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. Through his leadership, he supports WRV’s mission to restore Colorado’s lands while building strong, inclusive communities. Dave works closely with the board, staff and volunteers to deliver meaningful projects that heal the land and strengthen people’s connection to place. Whether in the field alongside volunteers or in conversation with partners and supporters, Dave brings a deep commitment to stewardship, collaboration, and community. Dave brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in mission-driven nonprofits focused on environmental stewardship, outdoor education, and inclusive access to nature. Dave holds a M.S. in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Denver and a B.S. in Psychology and Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon. Outside of work, Dave is most often found outdoors, reconnecting with the landscapes he works to protect.

Combining a background as a research biologist with extensive nonprofit leadership experience, Kevin has supported WRV’s programmatic and operational success as Director of Programs since 2017. He holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Northwestern University and has guided multiple nonprofits through periods of major growth. Previously, he developed a “Nature & Music” series bringing together artists, naturalists, and land agencies—later highlighted as a national model by the Kennedy Center and National Park Service. Kevin enjoys a good Excel formula, plays French horn, and spends his spare time working on restoration projects at home, backpacking, traveling, and following the news in multiple languages.

Vera grew up in Germany and fell in love with nature on long camping trips with her family. After completing her Master’s in Psychology, she moved to the US and has been calling Colorado home since 2007. Vera is drawn to work that has a positive impact on her community, and she spent 15 years at Bridge House, a nonprofit organization in Boulder providing comprehensive services to adults experiencing homelessness, where she served as the Director of Finance for 12 years. Vera joined WRV in 2023 and is very excited to support WRV’s mission of healing the land and building community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and dog, traveling, and “creating” in various ways (baking bread, sewing, etc).

Sarah Egolf-Tarr engages members, major donors, and foundations in supporting WRV’s mission through the development of annual appeals and grant proposals. She brings a deep commitment to conserving and restoring wildlife and wildlands in Colorado. Sarah joined WRV in 2011 following roles with the Rocky Mountain Herbarium and the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance in Wyoming. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Earlham College and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Outside of work, Sarah enjoys studying West African dance, hiking, and spending time with friends over board games.

Morgan joined WRV in 2014 following eight years as a volunteer and now serves as Program Director. Combining on-the-ground leadership experience with WRV, several seasons with the City of Boulder in habitat restoration, a Master’s in Landscape Architecture, and a fiery passion for the mission and work of WRV, Morgan’s focus includes facilitating the growing Myrtle Spurge Coalition and coordinating with the agency partners. Morgan has been wandering the local hills for 18 years getting to know the plants, animals, and minerals therein and can often be found doing that or moongazing, baking, fortune telling, writing, crafting, or drinking coffee in a local cafe.

Combining years of trail and habitat restoration experience, Nate serves as Program Director. He recruits and trains volunteers, coordinates restoration projects, and works hard to convince others that stacking large rocks is genuinely fun. Nate’s restoration path began at a young age during a tallgrass prairie project in his hometown. Nate has a deep passion for experiential education, ecology, and restoration. Since moving to Colorado, he has been a ski bum, worked with at-risk youth, facilitated wilderness therapy, led Youth Conservation Corps, and studied Rangeland Ecology and Restoration at CSU. When not with his young family, he enjoys sustainable food projects, wilderness medicine, and the occasional zombie movie.

Jess earned her degree in Natural Resources Management & Conservation Biology from Colorado State University and joined WRV as a volunteer after meeting a staffer at a university event. After mentoring in field leadership roles, she applied for a grant-writing internship in 2013, and basically never left. Jess has a decade of varied experience in collaborative projects and data management, from goshawk feathers for artificial intelligence bird identification, to Geographic Information System mapping and public safety jurisdictions. She enjoys lake walks with her dog, finding diverse sci-fi/fantasy stories, and obsessing over ways to bring her household closer to zero waste.

Melinda first came to WRV as a volunteer seed collector and just can’t seem to get enough. She proceeded to volunteer on many trail restoration projects and weed removals and felt that she had more to contribute. After being a full-time mother for 16 years and knowing that the home-front is under control, she is finally putting her economics degree to work and is now working for WRV as a part-time Finance Assistant. In her spare time Melinda loves hiking, biking, skiing, snow showing, kayaking, and volunteering on WRV projects.