As Land Steward for the Central Region of the WRLC service area, Shane Wohlken helps ensure that the restrictions on protected properties in Lake County, Geauga County, Portage County, and Cuyahoga County are upheld so that future generations can enjoy the benefits of protected green spaces and agricultural lands in perpetuity.
Growing up in Burton at the center of Geauga County in the 1970s and ‘80s, Shane watched as his very rural, quiet town and the surrounding areas underwent significant development and transformation, with the stresses of urban sprawl colliding with the natural and agricultural landscapes of rural Ohio. With a desire to help protect the natural habitats and agricultural lifestyle vital to the health of our communities, Shane joined the Land Conservancy in 2013. He still feels the same thrill every time he gets to steward a newly protected property. One of his greatest joys is being able to steward beautiful properties that he grew up enjoying and being inspired by from afar that are now protected for a new generation to enjoy. With a passion for hiking, exploring, learning, and documenting, Shane has found a perfect fit with the Land Conservancy.
Shane graduated from Kent State University with a degree in English. While working towards his degree, he worked summers as a seasonal for Geauga Park District and discovered a deep love for conservation work and working outside. After completing his degree, he jumped on the opportunity to transition from a seasonal with the park district into full-time, starting in Operations and transitioning into their GIS Analyst. In 2004, he left the park district to complete the Triple Crown by thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (2005), the Appalachian Trail (2007), and the Continental Divide Trail (2009). In 2010, he worked for three years at Cleveland Metroparks mapping their entire trail system by hiking over 800 miles of trails with a large GPS strapped to his back. At the completion of that project, he joined Western Reserve Land Conservancy as a Land Steward to continue his journey in conservation.
When not walking properties for the Land Conservancy, Shane is usually out exploring the world by hiking, backpacking, biking, kayaking, and photographing unique places near and far. His travels include countries such as Mexico, Iceland, England, France, Egypt, and Jordan. Feel free to ask him about his journeys, but make sure you set aside enough time—he has lots of stories and he loves to share!