Barbara Gilpin is new executive director of Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary

The trustees of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in July welcomed Barbara Gilpin as its new executive director.

Gilpin succeeds Joan Gillner, who retired after 16 years at the helm.

Gilpin will lead the Sanctuary as it serves the people of the region as a venue for popular entertainment, cultural enhancement, and community education. The Sanctuary is a privately owned nonprofit foundation whose programs, museums, and trails are open to the public.

“I am honored to serve as the executive director at the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, an organization that epitomizes my love for nature, Wayne county’s history and heritage, and music of all kinds,” Gilpin said. “As a lifelong resident of Pike County, I feel that our Wayne-Pike region of Northeastern Pennsylvania is so special. We really need to cherish it and help it to last for generations to come.”

Gilpin joins the nonprofit following a 35-year career in the hospitality industry, serving most recently as sales manager at the Comfort Inn, Pocono Lakes Region. She has extensive experience in customer service, management, and operations. Her knowledge of the Pocono Region and its tourism agencies, including the Chamber of the Northern Poconos and the Pocono Mountain Visitor’s Bureau, will help to promote the Sanctuary.

COVID-19 presents challenges

As with most organizations, 2020 has presented financial difficulties due to cancellations of events and fundraisers. The Sanctuary relies on annual fundraising events, memberships, donors, and its summer concert series for income to maintain its 600-acre property, glass museum, and buildings.

Dorflinger’s Wildflower Music Festival summer concert series has grown and blossomed since its inception in 1980. With its large open-air stage and terraced natural amphitheater, the Sanctuary provides an idyllic setting for the Wildflower Music Festival each year. COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the season’s musical lineup. Gilpin joins the music-loving community in hoping that 2021 brings the sounds of outdoor music once again to the fields and forests of White Mills.

To support the Sanctuary by becoming a member or by volunteering your time at the museum, gift shop or future events, visit dorflinger.org, call the office at 570-253-1185, or email suydam@ptd.net.