Faces of Greenbelt – The Brandt Family

The Brandts appreciate the hard work that goes into conserving and restoring natural areas in the Willamette Valley. Troy Brandt is the Principal Biologist at River Design Group, Inc. (RDG), a local engineering firm focused on ecological restoration in the Pacific Northwest. Throughout his career, Troy has assisted project partners like Greenbelt to conserve and restore river corridors and improve fish passage. Much of RDG’s work has focused on recovering imperiled salmon populations and lesser-known endemic fish species unique to Oregon. His professional and personal life overlap because of his passion for restoration and his family’s love for the outdoors.

What inspired you to get involved with Greenbelt Land Trust?

“My wife Marisa and I care about Greenbelt Land Trust because we know first-hand the importance of working to protect our rivers for people and wildlife. Greenbelt is a great resource that protects natural areas and provides trails, events, and education that expand local awareness of our surrounding environment. It takes a lot of effort and money to conserve land and rivers. Our family appreciates this work and we know how crucial it is, especially for our kids. This is why we are proud to be supporting members of Greenbelt.”

How do your background and job influence your support for Greenbelt?

“Being a restoration biologist, avid fisherman, and an outdoor enthusiast, I think special places are worth protecting for the sake of being protected in order to leave them better for the next person, including my children. I have a great appreciation for nature and my family and I are very active outdoors. We have a stake in environmental preservation and a responsibility to  help fund conservation organizations.”

What is your favorite outdoor activity to do with your family?

“My kids love to ski, bike, kayak, fish, and camp. At ages 6 and 8, we enjoy getting out for bike rides and hiking. One of our favorite places to bike is at Bald Hill Farm. Living in Corvallis, it is easy to get out and get in tune with nature.”

If you could pass onto your kids a feeling, idea, or lesson about conserving our environment, what would it be?

“I grew up exploring oak woodlands and fishing creeks and ponds. Because of my proximity to natural areas and growing up with family and friends who encouraged outdoor recreation, I developed an appreciation for the outdoors early on. I want to impart this sense of appreciation to my kids. I want them to grow up exploring the outdoors and caring for the environment.”

The Brandts are Greenbelt members who like to unplug and tune into nature.