At this week’s meeting, we had the pleasure of hearing from Jane Herndon, the Executive Director of the South Alabama Land Trust (SALT)—formerly known as the Weeks Bay National Estuary Reserve. Jane was hosted by Greg Strachan
Jane’s passion for conservation, her multi-state environmental leadership, and her deep understanding of both legal and ecological landscapes brought fresh perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing coastal Alabama.
With degrees in geology and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Jane’s career spans over 20 years as an environmental attorney and public servant. From overseeing air and waste management policy in New Jersey to managing Florida’s Water Resource programs, and most recently directing environmental efforts for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s aviation department, Jane brings unmatched experience to her role at SALT.
Now back in Orange Beach, Jane is focused on protecting the unique ecosystems of coastal Alabama—before they disappear. She spoke passionately about the rapid pace of development in our area and the pressing need to conserve open spaces and instill a conservation mindset in local communities.
Her message was clear: growth and stewardship can coexist, but only if we’re proactive. By working together to prioritize preservation, we can protect the natural beauty and biodiversity of our region for generations to come.
We’re grateful to Jane for joining us and for leading such meaningful work through the South Alabama Land Trust. To learn more or get involved, visit southalabamalandtrust.org or reach out to Jane at jherndon@southalabamalandtrust.org.
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