Board Members
Phil Petronis, President
Phil has been a resident of Lewisboro since 1987, and began volunteering after his retirement from MarshMcLennan in 2008. He served as a volunteer assistant wrestling coach at John Jay from 2008-2019, served on the Board of the Community Center from 2015-2021, and as Board President from 2018-2021. He joined the Board of the Friends in 2016 and served as Board President from 2018 to 2026.
Susan Harris, Vice President
Susan moved to South Salem in 1993 and, along with her family, took full advantage of the benefits of the natural surroundings, including the lakes and miles of hiking trails. A second career led her into education and administration at The Harvey School, where she led an active Community Service group, working in various capacities with The Community Center, Blythedale Children’s Hospital, and several other local organizations. Her love of the outdoors and our spectacular environment resulted in leadership roles with Lake Waccabuc Association, Three Lakes Council, and Friends of Trailside, where she serves as Vice President of the Board.
J Durst, Treasurer
J has been a member of the Friends of Trailside Board for the past decade and currently serves as Treasurer. She and her husband, Jody, have two married sons and two grandchildren who enjoy the many benefits of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
J also serves on the board of Bronx Lacrosse, which partners with several schools in the South Bronx. Using lacrosse as a pathway, the organization helps students build academic success, leadership skills, and confidence. She is committed to supporting organizations that strengthen communities, education, and access to the outdoors.
Linda Burke, PhD, Secretary
I am an environmental educator, retired from full-time teaching at John Jay High School, but I remain active in helping out in their Science Department and as their national test coordinator. I am on the board of Bedford Audubon, where I also serve as secretary, and I am the chair of the Environmental Committee of Broadview at Purchase College, where I reside. Previously, I have worked for The New York Botanical Garden and the State University of New York. I am a trained leader with the Climate Reality Project.
Peter Bysshe
Peter Bysshe has spent five decades returning to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, first as a child in Scouting, then as a hiker, camper, runner, parent, Scoutmaster, neighbor, and now as a board member of the Friends of Trailside Nature Museum.
Peter lives in Waccabuc and serves as Scoutmaster of Lewisboro Troop 1. He has helped young people develop confidence, skills, judgment, and responsibility through outdoor experience, service, and leadership. He believes public land is strongest when it is not merely protected, but used, understood, and cared for by its community. Peter uses his creative energy to support Trailside’s educational mission, helping ensure that the Reservation remains a place where people can explore, learn, and belong for generations to come.
Maureen Kohl
A long-time member of the Board of the Friends of Trailside, I came on board as secretary under President Jackie Pamemter. I have seen the Friends organization grow as a champion of stewardship for the entire Reservation, not just Trailside Museum. The rocks and trails and beauty of WPRR are an inspiration for continuing as a board member. A decades-long resident of South Salem, I serve as Lewisboro Town Historian and am a retired elementary school teacher. The Koehl family considers The Res a treasure to be explored and a great place to make memories.
Andrew Lehman
Andrew Lehman is an IT professional enjoying his work with the Hudson Valley Credit Union. He loves to go walking whenever he can through the natural spaces around Pound Ridge with his dogs.
