Libby Smith-Holmes became active with the Open Space Project because she was fascinated by the ways the group turned theoretical environmental concepts into practical reality for the benefit of the Saratoga community. Building on her biology studies at Wellesley College, she completed a Master’s degree in Environmental Education and Communications at SUNY ESF in 1979.
In between those milestones, she worked at a nature center in Omaha, developing and presenting slide lectures, exhibits and trail hikes. Eventually she found the right job at NYSDEC, working as a writer, editor and public participation team member for the statewide Water Program; skills and interests she brought to the OSP and to the Friends of the Kayaderosseras.
No longer engaged in hands-on trail building, Libby remains a trails advocate (the Zim Smith trail is named for her first husband), and a supporter of PLAN.