About us

A Steadfast Commitment to a Thriving Planet

At Holmes Conservation and Beagle Club, we are stewards of the land and advocates for our most loyal companions. Our unique dual mission is built on the belief that purposeful community action can create a profound and lasting legacy of environmental health and animal well-being for Holmesville and beyond. We are protectors, educators, and a family united by muddy paws and a love for the great outdoors.

Our Story

In 2015, a small group of friends in Holmesville, bound by their love for hiking and their endlessly energetic Beagles, noticed a growing need. The local trails they frequented were showing signs of neglect, with litter becoming more common and invasive plants beginning to choke out native foliage. At the same time, they often met fellow Beagle owners sharing similar stories of seeking a community that understood the breed’s unique quirks and needs. During one particularly muddy post-hike chat, they asked a simple question: “What if we could tackle both challenges at once? What if we could channel the incredible energy of our beloved dogs and the passion of their owners into a positive force for local conservation?”

Our mission

A community where care for nature and compassion for Beagles come together.

Caring for nature and Beagles.

At Holmes Conservation and Beagle Club, our mission is to bring people together around two deeply connected causes: the protection of our natural environment and the well-being of Beagles. We believe that conservation and compassion are not separate paths, but part of the same journey toward a more sustainable and humane world.Through environmental stewardship, we aim to preserve forests, streams, and open spaces so that they remain vibrant for generations to come. Alongside this, we advocate for the health, safety, and happiness of Beagles, ensuring that these loyal companions receive the love and care they deserve. Every project, campaign, and initiative we launch reflects our belief that when people unite to protect both nature and animals, they create a legacy of hope and responsibility that outlasts any single lifetime.

A future where all thrive.

We envision a world where people live in harmony with nature and where every Beagle enjoys the safety of a loving home. Our vision is rooted in the belief that environmental health and animal welfare go hand in hand. When natural landscapes are preserved, communities flourish, and animals find security in balanced ecosystems.For us, the future means lush forests, clean rivers, and sustainable practices embraced by families and communities. It also means a society where Beagles are celebrated not only as companions but as living beings deserving of respect and protection. This vision drives our work today and guides every decision we make toward shaping a brighter tomorrow.

Change you can see.

Over the years, the Holmes Conservation and Beagle Club has made measurable progress in both conservation and Beagle welfare. These achievements are the result of dedicated supporters, volunteers, and partners who share our belief in a better future.We have planted over 15,000 trees, creating healthier landscapes and restoring critical habitats for wildlife. Our Beagle rescue initiatives have rehomed more than 300 dogs, providing them with loving families and second chances at life. Educational programs have reached over 2,500 students, inspiring the next generation of conservationists and responsible pet owners. With the help of local and regional partners, we have supported 12 communities in adopting sustainable practices that improve both environmental and social well-being.

Our team

People with passion, united by purpose.

Marcus Lee – Conservation Specialist

Marcus Lee grew up surrounded by the forests and fields of Ohio, where he developed an early appreciation for the natural world. With a degree in environmental science and years of hands-on experience, he now leads many of the organization’s conservation projects. From mapping reforestation sites to teaching sustainable land-use practices, Marcus ensures that conservation is practical, science-based, and community-driven.

Daniel Rivers – Program Director

Daniel Rivers brings over a decade of experience in conservation management to his role as Program Director. He oversees the design and implementation of all core programs, ensuring that each project not only meets immediate needs but also builds long-term sustainability. From coordinating large-scale reforestation campaigns to developing partnerships for Beagle rescue and rehabilitation, Daniel has a keen eye for creating programs that truly make an impact.

Sarah Whitman – Founder & Executive Director

Sarah Whitman founded Holmes Conservation and Beagle Club out of her deep love for both the natural world and the Beagles she has cared for since childhood. With a background in environmental policy and nonprofit leadership, Sarah saw a unique opportunity to unite conservation efforts with animal welfare. Her vision was simple but powerful: build an organization where protecting forests and saving Beagles could happen side by side, supported by education and community engagement.

Javier Morales – Education & Outreach Lead

Javier Morales believes that education is the foundation of lasting change. With a background in teaching and environmental advocacy, he develops programs that inspire young people, families, and communities to take action. Whether he’s leading workshops in schools, creating resources for sustainable living, or organizing community talks, Javier brings energy and clarity to every initiative.

Thomas Bennett – Board Chair

As Board Chair, Thomas Bennett provides oversight, accountability, and strategic direction for the organization. With a professional background in business leadership and a personal passion for conservation, he brings both expertise and empathy to the role. Thomas ensures that the Board stays focused on the mission while supporting the staff in achieving their ambitious goals.

Olivia Grant – Animal Welfare Manager

Olivia Grant oversees the welfare of every Beagle that comes through the organization’s doors. With training in veterinary care and years of shelter management experience, Olivia ensures that dogs receive the medical attention, rehabilitation, and love they need to thrive. She works closely with foster families, adoption coordinators, and local veterinarians to create smooth transitions from rescue to forever homes.

Testimonials

Client success is the true measure of our expertise.

Jessica Meyers – Teacher

As a middle school teacher, I’m always looking for ways to inspire my students to care about the world around them. Partnering with Holmes Conservation and Beagle Club has been an incredible experience. Their education programs are engaging, hands-on, and deeply impactful. My students not only learned about environmental conservation, but they also had the chance to meet rescued Beagles and hear their stories.

Robert Chen – Small Business Owner

Running a small family-owned business in Holmesville, I’ve always felt a responsibility to give back to the community. Supporting Holmes Conservation and Beagle Club has been one of the best decisions we’ve made. Their projects bring real change—not abstract promises. When you sponsor a reforestation initiative, you can walk the land and see the trees growing. When you donate to Beagle rescue, you see dogs finding new homes and wagging their tails with joy.

Aisha Thompson – Veterinarian

I’ve worked with many animal-focused nonprofits, but what sets Holmes Conservation and Beagle Club apart is their holistic vision. They don’t just focus on animal welfare in isolation; they connect it to broader environmental issues, showing how everything is interlinked. I’ve collaborated with their Animal Welfare Manager on several Beagle rescue cases, and I’ve been deeply impressed by the care and commitment shown by the team. These dogs come in often scared, neglected, or in poor health, and with the right medical support and loving attention, they transform into confident, joyful pets

Michael Alvarez – College Student & Volunteer

Volunteering with Holmes Conservation and Beagle Club has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. As a college student studying environmental science, I wanted to do more than just learn from textbooks—I wanted to take action. From day one, the team welcomed me like family and gave me opportunities to contribute in real, tangible ways. I’ve planted trees, helped care for rescued Beagles, and even led a workshop for younger kids about sustainability. What struck me most is how inclusive and empowering the organization is.

Our work

Where conservation meets compassion.

Sustainable solutions, lasting change.

We believe meaningful impact requires more than temporary aid. That’s why our approach combines education, direct action, and community engagement. We restore forests and landscapes to combat climate change, run adoption and rescue programs for Beagles in need, and empower communities through outreach and volunteer opportunities.

By weaving conservation with compassion, we create programs that people feel proud to support and be part of. Every tree planted, every Beagle rescued, and every student inspired represents a step toward a future where humans, animals, and nature thrive together.

Protecting nature for generations to come.

Our conservation work focuses on preserving forests, waterways, and local ecosystems. We organize large-scale tree-planting events, promote sustainable land management, and advocate for policies that protect green spaces. Beyond environmental benefits, these programs create healthier communities—cleaner air, safer habitats, and opportunities for outdoor education.

One of our most impactful stories comes from a reforestation project where hundreds of volunteers planted native trees on abandoned farmland. Today, that site is home to birds, small mammals, and pollinators, showing how quickly nature rebounds when given a chance.

Our volunteer

Your time can change lives.

Small acts, big impact.

When you volunteer, you don’t just help us—you become part of the change. Whether it’s digging in the soil during a reforestation event, walking a rescued Beagle, or teaching kids about conservation, your efforts ripple outward into the community. Volunteering also offers the chance to connect with like-minded people, learn new skills, and experience the joy of seeing your actions create real results.

Many of our volunteers say that their work with us has given them not only unforgettable experiences but also a renewed sense of hope for the future. Together, we prove that when people step up, positive change is unstoppable.

Find your place in the movement.

We offer a range of opportunities to match your passion, skills, and availability:

Remote Volunteering – Support us from anywhere with tasks like digital outreach, fundraising campaigns, and advocacy.

Conservation Projects – Join tree-planting events, habitat restoration projects, and community cleanups.

Beagle Care & Adoption Support – Help with walking, grooming, socializing, and fostering rescued dogs.

Event & Fundraising Support – Lend your energy to adoption fairs, charity events, and community fundraisers.

Join Us in Making a Difference

At Holmes Conservation and Beagle Club, we believe real change happens when communities come together with purpose. Every forest restored, every Beagle given a second chance, and every child inspired is proof of what we can achieve with dedication and compassion. But the work is far from over—and we can’t do it without you.Your involvement, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, has the power to transform lives and landscapes. Imagine a future where Beagles live in loving homes, where forests stand tall for generations to come, and where people everywhere feel connected to the natural world around them. That future is possible, and it starts with each of us choosing to act.

This is more than a cause—it’s a movement. And when you stand with us, you become part of a legacy that values both the planet we share and the companions who bring us joy.