Walt Patrick
President and Trustee
Senior Steward of Windward Foundation
Walt Patrick is a founding member and Senior Steward of the Windward Foundation. With a background in chemistry and over thirty years of experience within the community, he currently focuses on transitioning Windward into the next generation of Stewards.
Research in Renewable Energy and Land Conservation
Additionally, Walt conducts research on harnessing sunlight and woody biomass to meet the energy needs of small, rural communities, as explored in his work at biomass2methanol.org. Walt has a longstanding interest in innovative approaches to land conservation and is particularly drawn to the idea of using one’s passing to preserve living ecosystems.
Opalyn Brenger
Vice-President and Trustee
Steward of Windward and Community Leader
Opalyn Brenger is a Steward of the Windward Foundation. A trained geohydrologist and a ten-year member of the community, she recently completed her studies in business management and accounting, taking on a larger role in both Herland and Windward management. Opalyn is dedicated to integrating whole-systems thinking into every project, creating value for everyone involved, whether they are Guardians or Interns.
Forest Stewardship and Fiber Arts
Beyond her administrative duties, Opalyn manages the foundation’s forested areas—balancing fire hazard reduction with the harvesting of firewood and other forest products—and tends to Windward’s small sheep flock. She oversees everything fiber-related, from wool washing to spinning, knitting, and weaving, contributing to the foundation’s sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Kirianna Patrick
Sexton
Assistant Steward
Kirianna Patrick serves as an Assistant Steward of the Windward Foundation. She joined the Windward community in August 2017, seeking a place to call home and develop her skills. Recently, she has assumed the responsibility of preparing interment sites for the Herland Forest Cemetery. With careful, hand-crafted excavation, Kirianna uses her vital energies to create a passageway into the earth, facilitating a person’s final journey home.