Peppler Begins as Director of Philanthropy

The Nature Conservancy of Idaho has announced the hire of Jan Peppler of Hailey as the organization’s new director of philanthropy. Peppler will lead the Idaho Chapter’s philanthropy team in raising funds for conservation projects throughout the state of Idaho.

Peppler comes to the Conservancy from the Wood River Land Trust, where she served as major gifts officer, the trust’s fundraising leader. She has worked full-time for non-profit organizations for the past 16 years. She has raised money for a variety of causes including HIV/AIDS, human rights, public health issues and orphaned children.

“Jan has such extensive experience with non-profits and her skills and energy will be a tremendous asset to The Nature Conservancy,” says Laura Hubbard, The Nature Conservancy of Idaho’s state director. “She will be a key part of our effort to conserve special places, working lands and wildlife in Idaho.”

Peppler will work from the organization’s field office, located on First Avenue in Hailey.

Peppler’s duties will include leading philanthropy staff to raise funds for conservation projects around Idaho. The organization made its first acquisition in the state 30 years ago, with the purchase of Silver Creek Preserve. Recent projects include the acquisition of a ranch important for sage grouse in eastern Idaho, conservation efforts that benefit working ranches and salmon in the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi valleys and the application of cutting-edge technology to prevent, locate and eradicate non-native weeds in Hells Canyon and the Owyhee Canyonlands.

“I am so excited by the variety and depth of Conservancy projects in Idaho,” says Peppler. “I look forward to working with people who care about Idaho to protect what they value most about this beautiful state.”

The Conservancy is one of the largest conservation organizations in Idaho, with 5200 members from every county in the state. The Idaho Chapter has four offices as well as several preserves open to the public.

“This organization is so collaborative in its approach,” says Peppler. “It is clear to me that every staff member understands the importance of the work they’re doing. They are always eager to talk to the public. It is exciting to work with a group of people who are so energized about their work.”

Peppler spends much of her free time exploring Idaho and hiking with her dog Dixie, a Hurricane Katrina survivor she adopted this year.