6/6/2024: A Reflection on Pride by Preserve Executive Director Peter Couchman

A Reflection on Pride by Preserve Executive Director Peter Couchman

Originally published in Preserve Notes, June, 2023

Happy Pride, everyone!

My husband Phillip and I first visited New Hope in the summer of 2009 for a weekend trip from New York City, where we were living at the time. It was such a memorable experience, from the charm of downtown and the beauty of the surrounding landscape to the welcoming, embracing community that understands its place in LGBTQ+ history. As proud members of that same community, my husband and I immediately knew that New Hope would be an important place to us.

Fast forward 11 years, and I find myself coming full circle as the executive director of Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, a key New Hope community institution. As I reflect on that, I realize just how appropriately one of the Preserve's taglines—"Preserve Proud"—takes on an enhanced meaning during Pride month. I'm "Preserve Proud" that my family has made the investment in an institution and a community that embraces, understands and values us. But most importantly, I'm "Preserve Proud" that Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve is a place for ALL to learn about the environment and the role that native plants play in our ecology.

As we completed our new strategic plan in 2022, the Preserve invested significant time and resources to define who we are and the values we hold close as an organization. Being "Preserve Proud" is how we realize these core values, a key theme of which is being "A Place For Everyone." I'm so fortunate to be involved in a community and an organization that welcomes me and my family, just as it welcomes you and yours.

Thank you for being a "Preserve Proud" part of it!

— Peter Couchman, Preserve executive director