Sycamore is staffed by nine full-time employees, two part-time employees, and many student interns. Our experienced, effective team is committed to protecting land, restoring habitat, connecting people to nature, and raising support for Sycamore’s mission. Please get in touch with us at the contact info below. For general questions, email info@sycamorelandtrust.org.
Alex C. Sienkiewicz
Executive Director
alex@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 105
I spent more than a quarter century in various aspects of conservation work across the United States. Prior to being hired at Sycamore, I served as the Chief of Resource Stewardship and Science at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southeast New Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where I led a team of scientists, resource managers, and museum and curatorial professionals in managing the park’s scientific research and resource stewardship portfolio. Prior to that, I was the district ranger for the million-acre Yellowstone Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Earlier in my career, I was a Presidential Management Fellow with the U.S. Forest Service at D.C. headquarters. I have served on a variety of nonprofit boards. In 2018, I was awarded the Jim Posewitz Professional Conservationist Award for contributions to Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. My wife, Holly, and I have three children.
Chris Fox
Land Stewardship Director
chris@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 103
I grew up in southeastern Indiana and have spent most of my life working and exploring the backwoods. My career has provided me opportunities to track copperbelly water snakes through the wetlands and follow the endangered Kirtland's warbler from the Bahamas to Michigan, among other adventures. I joined Sycamore Land Trust in 2017 to help conserve and protect critical habitat for our diverse flora and fauna and future generations of Hoosiers.
Susan Haislip Daleke
Administrative Director
susan@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 100
I spent my formative years on the southwestern coast of Connecticut exploring creeks, beaches, and woodlands, developing a passion for conservation at an early age. After graduation from the University of Bridgeport, I traveled the states as a US Army officer before settling in southern Indiana, home of my mother's family, to raise my own children. I enjoy birding, quilting, board games, and time with my husband Mike and our families.
Kate Hammel
Communications Director
kate@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 101
I grew up surrounded in the beauty and grandeur of Northern California, where my love of nature was fostered early on family camping trips and by earning Camp Fire Girl badges for wilderness skills and volunteering. I have over 20 years of experience developing nonprofits that promote sustainability and strengthen community. As Executive Director of Heart of the City Farmers' Market, I built the nation's largest farmers' market food access program, which distributes over $2 million a year in nutrition incentives for low-income families to support sustainable, small-scale agriculture. I also helped support equitable food systems at Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and strengthen extremely low-income neighborhoods in San Francisco. I enjoy exploring Indiana’s fascinating ecosystems with my family and an identification book, crafting, and adding to my enormous trail map collection.
Hannah Hirsch
Development Director
hannah@sycamorelandtrust.org
I am a Bloomington townie, community fundraiser, and enthusiastic believer in the people and places that make southern Indiana special. After briefly living in Belgium with my husband, we “Bloomeranged” back home where I found my way into a career in community service and philanthropy. For nearly ten years, I’ve had the privilege of helping mission-driven organizations build relationships, grow philanthropic support, and connect people with causes that strengthen our community. As a fundraiser and longtime advocate for the natural places that make southern Indiana feel like home, joining Sycamore Land Trust brings together two things I care deeply about: people and place. I look forward now connecting generous people with meaningful opportunities to protect land, expand access to nature, and invest in our community for generations to come. At home, life is equally lively. My husband and I are raising our young children alongside a small (and slightly chaotic) collection of geese, chickens, bees, and sheep. I’m happiest outside, around good people, and finding new reasons to love Bloomington.
Isabel Jensen
Environmental Education Fellow
Growing up in Indiana, I developed a love for the outdoors by exploring local parks, trails, and natural areas, as well as visiting out of state national parks with my family. My interest in the connections between people and the environment deepened during my undergraduate studies at Purdue University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Policy. I am now pursuing a Master of Public Affairs–Master of Environmental Science dual degree at Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, focusing on the intersection of policy, education, and conservation. My experiences range from leading the Purdue Student Farm Organization for two years to participating in a short term study abroad in New Zealand focused on natural resources and conservation. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, playing board games, and spending time at local coffee shops.
Noah Johnson
Land Steward
noah@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 109
I grew up exploring the woods and hills of Brown County, Indiana, where I developed a deep love for the outdoors. This love for nature led to me pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs with a degree in Environmental Management from Indiana University. I joined Sycamore Land Trust as an intern in April 2024 while finishing my degree, and, after graduating, I was lucky enough to transition into a permanent role as a Land Steward. Being outdoors and working with my hands is like a dream come true, and I feel privileged to be able to help protect and restore Indiana’s native landscapes. When I am not working at Sycamore, you’ll likely find me hiking, gardening, or listening to music.
Christina Marshall
Deputy Administrative Director
christina@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 108
Born and raised in Indiana, I’ve always had a passion for exploring our natural habitats and beautiful nature preserves. An avid hiker, I’ve always felt at home in Southern Indiana’s woodlands and creeksides, and came to recognize that our pockets of wilderness need to be expanded, protected, and cared for. In 2019 I received my master’s certificate in public budgeting and financial management at Indiana University's O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, with special focus on land conservation and non-profit organizations. I became invested in the significant work accomplished by Sycamore Land Trust, and am now honored to be a part of the hardworking staff that continue to uphold our mission of protecting Indiana’s native lands and wildlife, as well as educating younger generations on the importance of conservation. With two young children of my own, I am grateful to be a part of this crucial work and hope to ensure these wonderful places are here for them to care for and love in the future.
Aramay Moss
Communications & Development Fellow
events@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 102
I came to Bloomington in Fall 2025 from Cleveland, Ohio, for the Master of Public Policy program at Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Coming from experience in environmental studies, worker cooperatives, and compost production, my educational focus is on developing policies and economic systems that integrate rural livelihoods with ecosystem stewardship. I count myself lucky to have had abundant wild spaces and nature education as constant sources of comfort and inspiration throughout my life. I'm grateful that my fellowship at Sycamore Land Trust allows me to help extend that opportunity to others and to support the health of the ecosystems that support me. In my free time, I look forward to continuing to explore the impressively hilly trails surrounding Bloomington with my sweet dog.
Ben Sebastian
Land Steward
ben@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 109
My career in ecology began when I worked for an IU Greenhouse lab as I completed my
undergraduate degree in Biology. After college, I began working in biotechnology and
healthcare related fields, which prompted my return to school. I completed the MPA-MSES dual-
masters program at IU O’Neill in 2022 with a concentration in Ecology and Conservation. While
in grad school, I was selected for the McKinney Climate Fellow’s Program who paired me with
Sycamore Land Trust for a summer internship which led to working as the Assistant Land
Steward. I joined the full-time staff to continue to study and restore Indiana’s cherished habitats
as we work towards a modern ecological balance.
Saige Sentell
Education Director
saige@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 107
As a little girl growing up in the rolling hills of Madison, Indiana, nature was where I felt most at home. As I grew older, I knew I’d spend my life protecting and caring for the land that raised me. After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Human Ecology, I spent a few years providing fire, trails, and EMS services to the National Park Service and Forest Service in Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming. I also worked with children with learning disabilities at an adventure-based boarding school in North Carolina. I transitioned to working for Eco Logic, LLC in Bloomington, IN and provided restoration, native landscaping, and green infrastructure services. In 2022, I moved to Indianapolis to open and operate the first satellite branch of Eco Logic, LLC. And now as the Education Director, I want to connect you to nature through curiosity, play, and meaningful conversation that creates a lifelong connection to nature. In my free time, I enjoy knitting, ceramics, hiking, and hanging with my two cats, Girly and Bernie.
Tom Swinford
Land Preservation Director
tom@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 106
I am an experienced conservation biologist working with people to protect our natural habitats and special places. By preserving natural areas, we do address the challenges of our time: biodiversity, water, climate, and quality of life. I joined Sycamore after a 30 plus year career as an ecologist/director with DNR Nature Preserves and The Nature Conservancy. During this time, I had the privilege of collaborating with diverse stakeholders across the state on significant conservation projects. Key achievements include the establishment of Indiana’s largest dedicated preserve (3,349 acre Ten O’clock Line in Brown County); planning and funding a restoration plan for Prophetstown State Park; and working with officials and community to set aside 1,600 forested acres of the former Newport Chemical Depot. I have written over 25 articles for Outdoor Indiana and frequently present on natural and cultural history. I like nature, parks, museums, music, and people. Give me a call and let’s talk preservation.
