From Berks Nature
Kim Murphy, president of Berks Nature, recently announced her plans to retire in December 2025.
Kim joined Berks Nature (then Berks County Conservancy) in January 2004. As president, she works with a dedicated staff to improve and protect land and water resources, to educate the community about land use and its implications, and to connect people to nature thus, conserving Berks County’s unique cultural and environmental resources for the benefit of future generations.
During her 21-year tenure, Kim led the organization through a name change in 2015, changing from the Berks County Conservancy to Berks Nature. Murphy’s professional accomplishments include:
- Raising over $60 million for the organization.
- Instituting over 10 new endowed funds, including five gifts of over $1 million.
- The repositioning of the Berks County Conservancy to an organization that values the balance of conservation of the environment with development.
- The 2015 organizational name change and logo redesign made the name more accessible for people to understand who the organization is and what they do.
- The creation of and continued publication of the State of the Environment report, chronicling indicators in 25 areas of land, water, waste, air, and energy.
- The creation of Eco-Camp in 2010, reaching thousands of youth over the years, is now implementing a second location.
- The creation of the Greater Reading Trails partnership looks at the regional system of trails and implements the county greenway park and rec plan.
- Achieving national land trust accreditation in 2024.
- The creation of the organization’s trained volunteer group, Berks Nature Ambassadors – now over 80 strong.
- The creation of seven additional community gardens for a total of nine.
- The acquisition of the Malickson preserve and the Dent-Gundry preserve, with gifts to endow their care.
- The re-naming of the Earl Poole Sanctuary to Bob’s Woods at the Earl Poole Sanctuary and the gift of $1 million to support our trails and preserve specialist and support land protection activities.
- The protection of over 7,683 acres via conservation easement with an appraised value of $17,752,124 and adding over 581 acres valued at $2,657,872 to the organization’s owned properties.
Murphy indicated that she is most proud of two things in particular: the creation of the Berks Nature Preschool opening in 2018, and the construction of The Nature Place opening in 2017 and expansion in 2022.
“I have had the opportunity to manage and help develop an exceptional staff over the years, work with incredible partners across the state, contribute as a board member of our statewide organization, We Conserve PA, and influence local and regional perceptions about conservation and the environment. Thank you to my many board chairs and board of directors over the years for always providing me the flexibility and trust to adjust the sails when necessary,” said Murphy.
The Berks Nature team focuses on preserving agricultural land, forests, and open space; protecting the quality of our streams and ground water; preserving historic landmarks and scenic landscapes; environmental education and by promoting those values that contribute to a sustainable future for our community.
Before joining Berks Nature, Kim spent nearly 12 years as director of development at Penn State where she managed the development, alumni, and university relations programs for both the Berks Campus in Reading and the Lehigh Valley Campus in Fogelsville. Kim graduated from Penn State University, University Park, with a degree in Elementary Education.
The board has formed a transition committee made up of current and former board members. They are initiating a five-month search process for a successor. The goal is to identify and publicly introduce the new president on or around Nov. 1, 2025.
About Berks Nature
Berks Nature is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization that has been serving the Berks County community since 1974. They believe that nature is essential to the quality of life. Their work centers around this value, from land preservation and trail management, to community gardens and environmental education, to their State of the Environment report and summer Eco-Camp; protecting, stewarding, and connecting people to nature and Berks County’s unique mosaic of natural resources. They welcome your involvement in many ways! Become a Champion of Nature, volunteer, make a donation, or attend an upcoming program at The Nature Place. Get involved today … your local action can have a global impact. Visit berksnature.org for more information.
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Source: bctv