Answering The Call Of Nature

Standing For Conservation

A lifelong relationship with the land, forests, and ocean led Dr. Jody Thomas to become a dedicated champion of the Student Conservation Association for over 32 years.

Drawn to the beauty of the northeast, Dr. Thomas spent her career practicing family medicine in New Hampshire. Having grown up on a rural Ohio farm, Dr. Thomas loves the
outdoors and gardening. “I love to dig in the dirt,” she said.

Now retired, Dr. Thomas lives beside a tidal estuary near New Hampshire’s Great Bay, where the rhythm of the
seasons, the pull of the ocean, and the beauty of the White Mountains continue to inspire her daily.

SCA Donor Dr. Jody Thomas standing near a waterfall smiling

Dr. Jody Thomas has been a dedicated champion of the Student Conservation Association for over 32 years. (Photo Credit: Dr. Jody Thomas)

Dr. Thomas finds fulfillment in hobbies that connect her to her roots. She also enjoys completing puzzles and watching football and basketball. But more than anything, the natural beauty of the Granite State continues to ground her. Whether hiking her favorite local trails leading to beautiful waterfalls or volunteering on “trash patrol” at the nearby nature discovery center, Dr. Thomas stays deeply engaged with the state’s natural landscape.

She’s witnessed firsthand how members of the SCA’s New Hampshire Conservation Corps grow into confident, capable leaders and stewards of the land. In addition to
the work happening in New Hampshire, Dr. Thomas is particularly interested in the SCA’s Urban Green program, which provides hands-on workforce development opportunities
that can launch meaningful environmental careers for youth and young adults living in major metropolitan cities.

For Dr. Thomas, including the SCA in her estate plans and joining the Liz Putnam Legacy Society was an easy and heartfelt decision. Working with the SCA’s gift planning
team, she explored ways to make her support last well into the future. “I don’t have children myself,” she said. “But my gift will support these vital programs that not only engage nature lovers—they create them!”