Our Farm Manager keeps our farm friends fed and healthy, and ensures the barnyard stays tidy and safe for all who visit. Get to know our Farm Manager and bird expert Bill in our employee spotlight series.
How long have you worked at AFF?
I have been with the Foundation on and off for about 35 years. At first I worked in the garden and mowed the lawn. After college, I worked as an Environmental Educator and helped fixing some of the buildings. In 2020, I became the Farm Manager.
What do you do at AFF?
I am the Farm Manager, and as needed I am a photographer, educater, bird specialist and whatever else that I can do to help.
What did you do before coming to AFF?
I have been coming to Hard Bargain Farm since I was a child. My mother Le Etta, was the office manager, so I frequently stayed around the Farm and played with the farmer’s sons. For many years I only worked summers at the Farm.
I also worked in California, Colorado, North Carolina, and Taiwan in part time positions, but I would always return home and start working at the Farm again.
Why do you love working at AFF?
I love working on the beautiful property with wonderful staff and I support the Foundation’s mission. It is wonderful to teach people about the outdoors and instill in them a love and affection for nature.
What is your favorite spot on the property?
The wet meadow. I have seen that area of the property change from cattle pasture that also housed our confidence course to the wetland habitat that it is today, filled with wildlife.
What do you do in your free time away from AFF?
I used to go rock climbing every chance I got and would travel all over the country to find new places to climb. Now, I go birding every day, and travel all over the world to find species of birds that I have not seen before. I also love playing board games with my friends.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
I spend more time outdoors than in. Usually, I can be found lurking around in the woods birding or drifting in my kayak while fishing.
What do you feel it’s so important to educate others about the environment?
I love the outdoors, and it is important to me to share that love with others. People aren’t willing to protect what they haven’t seen and they don’t know.