Gretta Pallister

Daughter of a noted local naturalist, C.M. Shipman, Gretta Pallister has been active in the environmental movement in Lake County and the State of Ohio for most of her life. She has been a founder of numerous organizations concerned with preservation of natural areas and with education for the understanding of our surroundings. She has been instrumental in recognizing the value of wetlands and upland forests and has worked hard to set aside areas for the enjoyment and inspiration of future generations.

Mrs. Pallister was one of the original concerned citizens who noted the uniqueness and value of the Mentor Mash and the Arcola Creek estuary and was instrumental in procuring those lands for the Nature Conservancy. She has worked to establish the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves within the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. She also helped develop Eco-Trek, an environmental education program for local teachers and students. She is a founding member of the Lake County Environmental Advisory Committee and helped establish an Arbor Day program which provides trees throughout the county for planting.

Mrs. Pallister is an honorary life trustee for the Ohio Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, having been an active trustee for many years. She has served the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in various capacities, and has been a board member of the Mentor Marsh Board of Management since its inception. She has been on various advisory committees at Lake Metroparks and the Holden Arboretum. She volunteers for Breckenridge Village and is active in Oberlin College’s environmental science program.

“Gretta’s main attributes of vision, determination, and drive have galvanized others in Lake County and the State of Ohio to realize the finiteness of land, air and water and inspired them to work with her to preserve and protect our natural world for the plants and animals that live here and the humans that receive enjoyment and solace from them.”