Ferns of the Appalachian Heartland

Leaders



Nancy Stranahan

Arc of Appalachia Executive Director

Nancy is the Director of the Arc and was one of the non-profit’s founders in 1995. She has guided the organization through nearly three decades of its phenomenal growth. She focused the organization’s early efforts on building its first preserve, the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, which is now the largest in a system of nearly 30 preserves. Prior to Nancy’s long engagement with the Arc, she co-managed Benevolence Bakery and Cafe in the Columbus’ North Market and served as Chief Naturalist for Ohio State Parks.

Elijah Crabtree

Tremper Mound Land Stewardship Manager

Elijah is a Land Manager and Naturalist for the Arc of Appalachia’s Southernmost preserve region in Scioto County. He was born and raised in Chillicothe, Ohio where he acquired a passion and keen interest in the natural and cultural history of Appalachian Ohio. This led him to his current on-site residency at the Tremper Mound Preserve, overseeing its development as a management and educational hub. Elijah is an avid hiker and loves to spend his time studying and appreciating Ohio’s geology and botany along the way.