At the Land Trust of Santa Clara Valley (LTSCV), our nimble and dedicated staff and board are committed to protecting the region's agricultural heritage and open spaces. Accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, we use our diverse expertise and commitment to transparency to drive impactful conservation. Together, we make a lasting difference for our community and the landscapes we cherish. Meet our team and see how we’re preserving the beauty of Santa Clara Valley for future generations!
STAFF
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TRINA HINESER - Executive Director
Joined Land Trust August 2019 Trina holds a Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and has lived with her husband in San Martin for two decades. From 2014-2019, Trina was President of the San Martin Neighborhood Alliance (SMNA). During her time with SMNA, Trina bridged the gap between the County of Santa Clara and the San Martin community by finding common ground to resolve community issues. She implemented quarterly community meetings as a platform for residents to hear from officials representing Santa Clara County, CalFire, the California Highway Patrol, and the Sheriff’s Office, which created a venue for San Martin residents to discuss topics that affect rural integrity.In 2015, Trina was appointed to the San Martin Planning Advisory Committee (SMPAC) to provide land use recommendations to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. In 2019, Trina was elected as SMPAC Chairman and will serve in that position for the next several years. Trina writes columns for the local paper (Gilroy and Morgan Hill Life), helped create the San Martin Chamber of Commerce, and is a graduate of the 2017-2018 Community Advocates Leadership Academy (CALA) hosted by Green Foothills. Trina’s joys include her stepdaughter, pets, and garden. |
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ALYSSA LO GALBO - Conservation Project Manager
Joined Land Trust June 2023 Alyssa is a dedicated environmental professional who graduated in 2021 with a BA in Environmental Studies, Conservation Biology & Policy from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She brings a wealth of experience in organizing member events and workshops, with a proven track record of supervising and training volunteers to engage in meaningful conservation efforts. Her field training is extensive, spanning plant propagation, herpetological and small mammal surveys, mapping, impact assessments, and environmental protection planning. Alyssa has also contributed to significant international conservation research, having worked with Bat Conservation International in La Paz, Baja California, and Bioma Turtle Research in Ostional, Costa Rica. In her personal life, Alyssa is an advanced scuba diver, an avid attendee of music festivals, and a devoted dog mom. Her passion for both the natural world and creating enriching experiences for others defines her commitment to environmental protection and education. WENDY RINGO - Finance & Administration Manager Joined Land Trust May 2023 |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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TOM FISCHER - Board Chair
Joined Board November 2021 Tom has been a Gilroy resident since 1977 and grew up working in his uncle’s apricot and prune orchards during the long hot summers. He found his way into the plumbing industry 35 years ago. He started out as an apprentice and worked up to a project manager and estimator. While in the plumbing industry, he served 14 years as a Trustee for the Plumbers Pension Fund. In 2008, he retired and became involved in serving his community. Several of Tom's positions in public service include being a:
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KEN SCHREIBER - Board Treasurer Joined Board January 2015 Ken has been a land use planner since 1970 and was Palo Alto’s Director of Planning and Community Environment from 1981 to 1998. Ken was active in regional transportation issues including serving as a founding member of the Santa Clara County Congestion Management Agency Technical Advisory Committee. A private consultant since early 2000, Ken performs land use, transportation, and environmental work for public sector clients. From late 2004 to early 2013, Mr. Schreiber served as Program Manager for development of the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan, which covers approximately 500,000 acres in Santa Clara County. The Plan addresses species protection, habitat enhancement, and regulatory permitting for 18 threatened and endangered species in Santa Clara County. From early 2013 through June 2014, Mr. Schreiber was Interim Executive Officer of the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, a newly created six-agency joint power authority established to implement the Habitat Plan. |
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DANA WOLFE - Board Secretary
Joined Board April 2021 Dana is a resident of Gilroy. She is a Teacher at East Gilroy Title I Middle School and comes to the Land Trust with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies, a minor in Spanish and multiple CLAD teaching credentials. She has participated on other boards in our area including holding the position of Secretary on the Gilroy Teachers Association from 2017-2021, President for the Gilroy High School FFA Boosters from 2017-2021, and as Secretary for Gilroy Growing Smarter as of 2018. Dana is enthusiastic about the preservation of farmland and Open Space, which is critical to ensure clean air, food security, and the replenishment of ground water supply. She acknowledges development is inevitable, but believes a balance needs to be maintained. Dana has the ability to work well with other board members, she is a good listener, and she always carefully considers all sides of an issue to ensure the best possilbe outcome. Clear, simple and to the point...her favorite quote is, “No Farms - No Food”. |
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PETER VAN DYKE - Board Member
Joined Board August 2022 Peter comes from a family of farmers who have been cultivating the land in Gilroy for five generations. He currently serves as president of the Loma Prieta Resource Conservation District, which focuses on protecting soil, water, and other vital resources in our valley. Peter brings a wealth of experience in building collaborative relationships with fellow farmers, a deep knowledge of best farming practices, and a strong commitment to ensuring the viability of agriculture in Santa Clara Valley. |
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LOVEPREETE KAUR - Board Member
Joined Board March 2023 Lovepreet is the executive director of Valley Verde, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy eating and improving food access in low-income urban areas. Passionate about sustainable food practices, she is committed to teaching others how to grow their own food in their backyards. Lovepreet brings a strong dedication to fostering a healthy environment, enthusiasm for the success of small farms in our valley, and expertise in grant writing. Her leadership at Valley Verde reflects her deep commitment to community well-being and food justice. |
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RICH CONSTANTINE - Board Member
Joined Board August 2023 Richard served as mayor of Morgan Hill after being elected in 2018, following two terms on the city council. A retired firefighter, Richard has a long history of commitment to public service, which includes volunteering with the United States Air Force Civil Air Patrol. He has served on multiple boards and committees, including the Healthier Kids Foundation, the Governance, Transparency & Labor Relations Policy Committee for the League of California Cities, the Santa Clara Valley Water Commission, and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Policy Advisory Committee. His extensive experience provides valuable insights into public policy, a deep understanding of city and county regulations, and expertise in land use in Morgan Hill. Richard's dedication to the community is complemented by his approachable demeanor and sense of humor. |
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DANIELLE FLANAGAN - Board Member
Joined Board June 2024 Danielle is a proud 5th generation Bay Area resident, where her passion for environmental sustainability was nurtured in the region’s beautiful landscapes. Currently, she works as an environmental scientist for the State of California at the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, focusing on sea level rise adaptation planning along the San Francisco Bay. Danielle earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and her graduate degree from the Yale School of the Environment. Prior to her current role, she worked at several nonprofits, including Acterra and the Environmental Defense Fund, where she focused on sustainability and community engagement. With a deep commitment to preserving the unique and diverse history and landscapes of the Bay Area, Danielle is passionate about promoting sustainable land use in all her endeavors.In addition to her professional work, Danielle loves exploring the Bay Area's stunning hiking trails and hunting for unique home decor at estate sales. |
