At Northeast Wilderness Trust, preserving forever-wild landscapes is more than a mission—it's a growing movement. With nearly 100,000 acres protected and ambitious goals on the horizon, the Montpelier, Vermont-based land trust has expanded significantly in recent years.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Jon Leibowitz, the organization grew from 4 to 23 staff, prompting a need for more effective hybrid communication across the region.
"As our team grew and became more geographically dispersed, we needed a better way to bring everyone together, whether they were in our Vermont headquarters or stewarding land in remote parts of the Northeast," said Leibowitz.
Before implementing the Meeting Owl, hybrid meetings often faced frustrating delays and technical issues that hampered morale and productivity. "We were constantly struggling to start meetings on time and conduct them in a seamless manner," Leibowitz shared. "That changed with the Meeting Owl."
The Meeting Owl has become the centerpiece of Northeast Wilderness Trust's hybrid meeting setup. Housed in their main conference room and connected to a local computer, it's used for everything from monthly all-staff check-ins to detailed planning sessions.
One of its most critical roles was during the teamwide development and creation of the organization's new five-year Strategic Plan, their annual organization-wide plan that sets forth ambitious conservation goals, including protecting 160,000 acres by 2030.
"The level of coordination and collaboration necessary to create our Strategic Plan would have been difficult, if not impossible, to achieve without the Meeting Owl," said Leibowitz. "It allowed every team member to participate meaningfully, regardless of location."
Staff especially appreciate the Owl's signature 360-degree camera and Auto Focus Mode.
"The way the Owl focuses on people who are speaking creates a more realistic, in-person feel that was formerly missing in our hybrid meetings," Leibowitz explained. "Remote staff can hear clearly and follow along more effectively — something that's critical when discussing conservation closings, operational changes, or project timelines."
Ease of use was another key factor in the Meeting Owl's rapid adoption within the organization. "We didn't need a formal training process," said Leibowitz. "It's incredibly user-friendly, and we keep a few simple instructions near the device to ensure it's always ready for use. Our staff love it."
The team even gave their device a name: Owldo Leopold, honoring conservationist Aldo Leopold, author of A Sand County Almanac. "It felt fitting for anyone interested in conservation," Leibowitz noted.
The Meeting Owl has already had a significant impact on Northeast Wilderness Trust's operations and culture.
"It has truly improved our ability to facilitate hybrid meetings easily and consistently," Leibowitz concluded. "The sound and video quality are always reliable. The Meeting Owl has helped us build a stronger, more connected team—one that's ready to meet the ambitious conservation goals ahead."