As president, she worked with a dedicated staff to improve and protect land and water resources, to educate the community about land use and its implications, and to connect people to nature thus, conserving Berks County's unique cultural and environmental resources for the benefit of future generations.
Murphy joined Berks Nature in January 2004.
During her 21-year tenure, she led the organization through a name change in 2015 changing from The Berks County Conservancy to Berks Nature.
Murphy’s professional accomplishments include:
-- Raising over $60 million for the organization.
-- Instituting over 10 new endowed funds, including 5 gifts of over $1 million
-- The repositioning of the Berks County Conservancy to an organization that values the balance of conservation of the environment with development.
-- The 2015 organizational name change and logo re-design making the name more accessible for people to understand who the organization is and what they do.
-- The creation of and continued publication of the State of the Environment report chronicling indicators in 25 areas of land, water, waste, air and energy.
-- The creation of Eco-Camp in 2010 reaching thousands of youth over the years now implementing a second location.
-- The creation of the Greater Reading Trails partnership looking at the regional system of trails and implementing the county greenway park and rec plan.
-- Achieving national land trust accreditation in 2024.
-- The creation of the organization’s trained volunteer group, Berks Nature Ambassadors – now over 80 strong.
-- The creation of 7 additional community gardens for a total of 9.
-- The acquisition of the Malickson preserve, and the Dent-Gundry preserve with gifts to endow their care.
-- The re-naming of the Earl Poole Sanctuary to Bob’s Woods at the Earl Poole Sanctuary and the gift of $1 million to support our trails & preserve specialist and support land protection activities.
-- The protection of over 7,683 acres via conservation easement with an appraised value of $17,752,124 and adding over 581 acres valued at $2,657,872 to the organization’s owned properties.
Murphy indicated that she is most proud of two things in particular: the creation of the Berks Nature Preschool opening in 2018, and the construction of The Nature Place opening in 2017 and expansion in 2022.
“I have had the opportunity to manage and help develop an exceptional staff over the years, work with incredible partners across the state, contribute as a board member of our statewide organization WeConservePA and influence local and regional perceptions about conservation and the environment,” said Murphy.
“Thank you to my many board chairs and board of directors over the years for always providing me the flexibility and trust to adjust the sails when necessary,” she added.
The Berks Nature team focuses on preserving agricultural land, forests and open space; protecting the quality of our streams and groundwater; preserving historic landmarks and scenic landscapes; environmental education and by promoting those values that contribute to a sustainable future for our community.
Before joining Berks Nature, Murphy spent nearly 12 years as director of development at Penn State where she managed the development, alumni and university relations programs for both the Berks Campus in Reading and the Lehigh Valley Campus in Fogelsville.
Murphy graduated from Penn State University, University Park with a degree in Elementary Education.
Search Underway
The board has formed a transition committee made up of current and former board members. They are initiating a five-month search process for a successor.
The goal is to identify and publicly introduce the new President on or around November 1, 2025.
For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Berks Nature website. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Also follow the Berks Nature Ambassadors Facebook page.
Since 1974, Berks Nature has been involved in land preservation, water protection, trail management, community gardens, education programs, State of the Environment, Eco-Camp and our valued partnerships that help connect people to nature and maintain the natural beauty of Berks County.
[Posted: May 30, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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