PROTECT NATURE
“Look deep into nature, and than you will understand everything better.”
Albert Einstein
ONE FOR NATURE is a consortium of local businesses working to support the conservation and public enjoyment of wildlife habitat, trails, streams and parks in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
Established in 2018, proposed by local Monroe County business people looking to mimic the success of a similar business-supported non-profit venture 1% for Open Space that has raised millions of dollars since 1997 to preserve special places in Gunnison County, Colorado.
ONE FOR NATURE, Inc. is incorporated as a non-profit entity in Pennsylvania with 501(c)(3) status so contributions are tax-deductible. We are not affiliated with any government agency. We have contracted with a local community services professional to be the One for Nature Director and working closely with business owners and local organizations who want to support the program and protect and promote enjoyment of Monroe County’s bounty of beautiful natural areas.
Participating businesses participate in the way that works best for them. All contributions are welcome from businesses, individuals and organizations supporting ONE FOR NATURE.
Who we are…
Kat Aruanno - Director
Email Kat
When I was born, my parents bought a cottage in the Poconos. We would pack up the car and travel here from Philadelphia on the weekends. We spent our winters snowmobiling, skiing, and ice skating on small lakes and ponds. In the summer we would swim, go bike riding, and hike on Big Pocono. One summer, in the mid 70’s, my parents decided we would not be going back to the city and we became full time residents. It was an amazing experience growing up surrounded by nature and its wildlife. I spent many of my days trying to catch a bunny. My mother told me if you sprinkled salt on a rabbit's tail it would freeze. Needless to say I never caught a bunny but at the cottage we always knew which shaker was the salt, the one with the dent on the top from me dropping it all the time. With a passion to be more involved in the community I am excited for the opportunity to work with ONE FOR NATURE and with the support of local businesses, help preserve the enjoyment of wildlife habitat, trails, streams, and parks in Monroe County, PA for residents and visitors of today and for future generations.
Brian Bossuyt - President of the Board
I am the Vice- President and CMO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, after having worked at Camelback for many years. I live with my wife and two children on the Pocono Plateau, eanjoying the many benefits of growing up in the Poconos. I love to spend time outside during any season, but my passion has always been sking. I am excited to lend my experience in promotion and visitor relations to the ONE FOR NATURE Board.
Rachel Wyckoff - Vice President of the Board
Born and raised in Shawnee on Delaware, PA, I am deeply rooted in the scenic beauty of the Pocono Mountains. As the Marketing Director at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area for the past four years, I've been dedicated to showcasing what the Pocono Mountains have to offer. As a proud mom of two boys who share my love for nature and the outdoors, I am committed to fostering their appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. Beyond my professional and familial responsibilities, my love for the outdoors fuels my passions, ranging from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, horseback riding, boating, and gardening. Living in the heart of the Pocono Mountains provides the perfect backdrop for these pursuits, and it's this connection with nature that has fueled my deep interest in ONE FOR NATURE.
Lindsay Chesterman - Secretary/Treasurer of the Board
I was born and raised in Eastern PA with family ties to the Poconos, but it wasn’t until my husband and I moved to Shawnee on Delaware PA a few years ago that my love for the natural beauty of this region took a stronghold. Working remotely as an Account Executive for a large Research and Advisory firm, I am thrilled to be able to step outside and enjoy the trails, river, mountains, and countless outdoor activities the area has to offer. I am excited to be a part of an organization that promotes the preservation of this beautiful landscape and the local spaces and businesses that make this community an incredible place to live and visit.
Gary Olson - Board Member
I am the President and CEO of ESSA Bank and Trust and a director of the ESSA Bank and Trust Foundation. I have maintained a lifelong interest in community service, conservation, recreation and the outdoors. I am a graduate of East Stroudsburg University and live in Stroudsburg with my wife and two children. I grew up as a soccer and sports enthusiast but have developed real interest in trail running, hiking, fishing, skiing and boating.
Tricia Dunkelberger Fritz - Board Member
My family has lived in the Poconos for five generations; our business, Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter, has provided sporting goods to outdoor enthusiasts for over 47 years. Appreciating the mountains and forests that surround us is ingrained in me. I’m thrilled to help preserve as much of our area’s natural character as possible. The benefits go beyond personal… people come to Monroe County for its beauty and abundance of nature. If people can no longer catch glimpses of wildlife, view foliage on hillsides and catch fish in our streams, then our economy- and emotional well-being –will suffer.
Rachele Maskrey-Cooper - Board Member
Growing up in the Poconos, I have spent my life exploring the areas wild places which nurtured a love for the outdoors. That passion for adventure and the outdoors has never left me. My husband and I started our business, Edge of the Woods Outfitters over a decade ago with a shared love of the outdoors and a desire to introduce others to the beauty of the Pocono Mountains. We are now rasing our two children here and spend our time kayaking, hiking, rafting, camping, backpacking, biking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, gardening and traveling as much as possible. I feel so fortunate that these activities are so easily accesable to us living here.