On June 18, 2024, the world quietly lost one of its protectors.
Paul Stasch—my husband, the father of our children, and grandfather to our grandchildren—was a lifelong environmental scientist devoted to preserving the natural world. Just one week shy of his 66th birthday, Paul passed away unexpectedly while working in the forest he loved. His time with us ended suddenly, but his beliefs, his passion, and the trees he planted continue to grow.
Paul always said that real environmentalism isn't about slogans—it's about action. And he lived that truth every day.
He planted trees. Constantly. One after another, year after year, hoping to bring a little more green back to the land.
He walked with us through forests, telling stories about every tree, every bird.
He built small wooden homes for owls and hung them high in the trees, hoping they'd feel safe enough to raise their young.
He fed birds all year round, keeping the woods full of life and music.
He loved every creature, every tree, every stream—because he believed that nature is our true sanctuary.
After Paul passed, our family made a decision: we would carry on his dream.
Right there, in the forest where he last stood, we founded a nonprofit in his name—Paul & Yan Stasch Rocky Woods.
This organization is more than a tribute.
It's a promise.
A promise to share Paul's vision with others, especially with future generations.
To teach them to cherish the Earth, and to protect it—just like he did.
Though Paul is gone, his trees are still growing. His ideas are still spreading.
Every time we walk through the woods and hear the wind rustling through the leaves, we can almost hear his laughter.
Every time a child crouches down to study a bug, or points up at a bird soaring overhead, we see a little bit of Paul in their wonder.
He is everywhere.
We hope the world never forgets the people who truly loved it.
And we hope Paul's name will live on—not only in the forest he grew, but in every heart that learns to love nature because of him.