Lenore Herbst
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I grew up just over the border in Lewisboro & my parents still live in the house I grew up in. My husband and I have lived in New York City, lower Westchester County, Norwalk and then moved to Wilton (just 2 miles from the border of Ridgefield!) about four years ago.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I have been working as a non-profit manager for the last 20+ years for everything from dance companies to concert halls, but after college, where I received a degree and both dance and psychology, I pursued a career as a professional modern dancer. I performed all over New York City in small and large theaters as well as with one company in particular which made site-specific performance art for iconic locations like the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Borough Hall and even the impressive windows of Grand Central Station!
Favorite things to do in your free time?
I enjoy taking ballet and modern dance classes when time allows. I also really enjoy spending time hiking and walking with my 1-year-old Coonhound rescue, Darwin. I love to spend time with friends and with my husband and two boys reading together, watching movies or playing outside (when we’re not racing between sports and activities!)
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
Just last year I became the Executive Director of Woodcock Nature Center. The Nature Center is a local treasure that I find many families in town are not aware of. The nature center is situated on 150 acres which spans both Wilton and Ridgefield. We are home to more than 30 teaching animals including turtles, snakes and owls which we use in our educational programming both on-site and at local schools. Our more than 3 miles of trails and natural playground are open to the public 365 days a year from dawn to dusk at no charge. We regularly run nature-based programming for adults and children including our popular holiday break camps, free hikes and activities, fun fundraising events like “Hikes, Hops & Hooty” in March and our incredible June-August summer camp.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
This is an amazing community. Since I began working locally last year, I have seen many friends and families rally around programs and fundraisers at Woodcock Nature Center in particular. I think our community has a real sense of ownership over its organizations and institutions and values the importance of their ongoing success. I have found other business leaders to be supportive and open to collaborations as well, which has been a pleasure.
