Executive Director Sabbatical
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From Executive Director, Linda Mutschler
Back in December 2016, while serving on CLCF’s Board, I volunteered to step in as Interim Project Manager to help guide the creation of the Joan M. Pick Nature Preserve. What began as an interim role ultimately led to my appointment as Executive Director — a position that has been profoundly rewarding. I love this work. It has been a privilege and a joy to collaborate with you, our Board, and our staff over the past 8 ½ years as CLCF has transitioned from a founder-led organization to the thriving and resilient land trust it is today. Our Board is exceptionally strong, and our talented four-person staff delivers outstanding results week in and week out.
As many of you know, my husband Jock is an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame, and it has long been his dream to return to Notre Dame’s South Bend campus. Recently, both Jock and I were accepted into Notre Dame’s Inspired Leadership Initiative, a year-long, in-person program that strives to empower participants to develop the skills and vision needed to make a lasting impact in their community and beyond.
We are very excited about this opportunity, and, to that end, I will be going on sabbatical from August 1, 2025, through August 1, 2026. During this time, the Board has approved that Sophie Gosetti—who has been critical to our land conservation efforts—will serve as Acting Executive Director.
I’m thrilled for Sophie to step into this role. She is an essential part of our team, and I know she will lead CLCF with care and dedication. Since joining CLCF in the fall of 2022, Sophie has successfully navigated numerous land conservation projects – totaling 465 acres of protected habitat and open space. She has also played an instrumental role in CLCF’s day-to-day operations and annual audit.
Sophie has a BS degree in Conservation Biology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Sophie is passionate about protecting land and helping people build lasting connections to nature.
It’s an exciting time for CLCF. We’re in a strong financial position, actively pursuing multiple land transactions, expanding our stewardship efforts, and offering a rich variety of educational and recreational programs.
Your support makes all of this exciting work possible — and for that, we are truly grateful. Thank you!
If you have any questions or would like to connect before my sabbatical begins, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Sophie and I would welcome the opportunity to meet. I am available through August 1 and would be glad to set up a time to chat or get together in person. After that, Sophie will continue to be available and can provide any support or guidance you may need during my time away. We both value your commitment to CLCF and look forward to continuing to conserve the Cedar Lakes region for generations to come.
