Will Raap, champion of environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture, passed away on December 12, 2022. Will served on the Rubenstein School Board from 2003 to 2018 and chaired the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee. He had a profound influence on the School’s research and teaching portfolio and consistently advocated for the advancement of environmental science and studies at the University of Vermont.

Will was a force for positive change in Vermont. He founded the Gardener's Supply family of companies in 1983. He also founded and chaired the nonprofit, Burlington-based Intervale Foundation, which develops farm and land-based enterprises that generate economic and social opportunity while protecting natural resources. Will served on numerous non-profit and corporate boards including the New Economics Institute, Vermont Natural Resources Council, Vermont Business Roundtable, Vermont Land Trust, Champlain Valley Greenbelt Alliance, Intervale Center, Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Council, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, Champlain College, Living Technologies, and Seventh Generation.

In addition to Will’s enormous contributions in the Green Mountain State, he did amazing work globally. He co-founded Restoring Our Watershed, a nonprofit organization working to restore the Nandamojo River Valley in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. He also chaired the board of The Earth Partners, a consortium of environmental experts working to restore degraded ecosystems around the world.

“We will miss Will’s energy, spirit, and vision,” said Allan Strong, Interim Dean of the Rubenstein School. “Our School community, the State of Vermont, and the global sustainability movement have lost an incredible advocate and ally for the planet. We are grateful for his immeasurable impact, and we are sending our deep condolences to his loved ones.”

Will’s family reported that he died of a long-term illness. Read more about his life and legacy.